Synopsis
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced retirement from wrestling following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being overweight by a mere 100gms. This dramatic turn of events has deeply affected the wrestling community and Indian fans. The 29-year-old was participating in her 3rd Olympics in Paris, France.
(Photo: Vinesh Phogat’s Twitter handle)
Vinesh Phogat’s retirement news
Indian wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat has shocked the sports world with her announcement of retirement following a disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. The disqualification, stemming from being 100 grams overweight, has ended her Olympic dreams abruptly. Phogat’s retirement post has sent waves across social media, drawing immense support and empathy from fans and fellow athletes alike.
The emotional announcement highlights not just her disappointment but also the broader impact of this outcome on the Indian wrestling community.
Here’s her retirement post on X (Formerly know as Twitter)
माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।
अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏
आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification and Appeal to CAS
Phogat’s Olympic journey was abruptly cut short when she was disqualified due to a weight issue. Although she was within the weight guidelines on the first day of the event and had successfully competed in the round of 16, quarterfinals, and semifinals she failed the weight check on the second day before her final bout.
This disqualification refrained her from advancing to the final match against an American wrestler. In a bid to overturn this outcome, Phogat appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to be recognized as a silver medalist. As of now, the CAS decision is pending, leaving her Olympic fate in suspense.
Vinesh Phogat Bio
Born on August 5, 1994, in Haryana, India, Vinesh Phogat is a distinguished wrestler known for her significant achievements in the sport. Competing in the 50kg weight category at the Paris Olympics 2024, Phogat had previously wrestled in the 53kg category. Her strategic move to a lighter-weight class was intended to enhance her chances of winning a medal. She is married to fellow wrestler Pawan Kumar back in 2018.
Vinesh Phogat’s Career Highlights
Vinesh’s career is marked by impressive accomplishments, including a gold medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a bronze at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships. At the Paris Olympics 2024, she made a strong run, winning all her preliminary matches and reaching the finals. Her disqualification denied her the opportunity to become the first female Indian wrestler to reach an Olympic final or secure a silver or gold medal, a milestone that remains unachieved by Indian female wrestlers since Sakshi Malik’s bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat’s Past Controversy
Phogat’s career has also been marred by controversy, notably her dispute with Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. This controversy involves serious allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment against female wrestlers, which has significantly affected her career and the broader wrestling community.
Haryana government’s gesture of appreciation
In response to her disqualification, the Haryana government has announced that Vinesh Phogat will receive benefits typically awarded to an Olympic silver medalist. This gesture recognizes her past contributions and achievements in wrestling, providing a measure of acknowledgment despite the unfortunate end to her Olympic campaign.
India’s remaining medal hopes and medal tally at Paris Olympics 2024
As the Paris Olympics 2024 continues, India’s medal tally stands at three. The country’s hopes for additional medals rest on the hockey team, which will compete for bronze against Spain. Wrestler Aman Sherawat has advanced to the semifinals in the 57kg freestyle category, while Neeraj Chopra, the defending Olympic gold medalist, will compete in his final event on August 8 at 23:55 IST, aiming to secure another gold for India.
Conclusion
Phogat’s retirement marks a significant moment in Indian wrestling, prompting reflections on her distinguished career and the bittersweet conclusion of her Olympic journey.
Follow this space for more sporting content and periodic updates from the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024.