Heartbroken Vinesh Phogat bids farewell to wrestling after Paris Olympics disqualification

New Delhi: In a surprising and heart-wrenching turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport via a social media post on Thursday morning. This announcement came just a day after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. “Mother wrestling won against me, I lost… Your dreams and my courage are shattered. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be indebted to all of you. Please forgive (me),” Phogat wrote on X.

Disqualification shocks the nation

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the sporting community. She was disqualified for not meeting the weight requirement for her 50 kg gold medal match. Reports indicate that Phogat was 100 grams over the allowed weight limit, which led to her disqualification. As a result, she will not be eligible for a silver medal, leaving only the gold and bronze medals available in the 50 kg category.

“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the team’s efforts through the night, she was a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy and will focus on the ongoing competitions,” stated the Indian Olympic Association.

The struggle to make weight

According to the Indian Express, Vinesh Phogat initially met the weight limit for Tuesday’s bouts but was required to remain within her category on both days of the competition. She was reportedly 2 kilos overweight on Tuesday night. Despite intensive efforts, including jogging, skipping, and cycling through the night, she could not lose the final 100 grams.

The Indian delegation requested additional time for Phogat to meet the weight criteria, but their request was denied. This challenge is familiar for Phogat, who usually competes in the 53 kg category and faced a similar issue during the Olympic qualifiers.

A series of cruel setbacks

On Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. She achieved notable victories against world number 1 Yui Susaki of Japan and wrestlers from Ukraine and Cuba. She was set to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, a wrestler she had previously defeated. However, due to the weight issue, Hildebrandt will receive the gold medal, and Phogat will leave the competition without a medal.

This incident adds to a series of cruel setbacks for Phogat. In the Rio Olympics in 2016, she was injured, leading to an early exit. She was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Now, with her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, Phogat’s journey in wrestling has ended in disappointment.

Retirement announcement

In her emotional retirement announcement, Phogat expressed her heartbreak and exhaustion. “Mother wrestling won against me, I lost… Your dreams and my courage are shattered. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024,” she posted. Her decision to retire marks the end of an illustrious career that saw numerous highs and challenging lows.

Impact on Indian wrestling

Vinesh Phogat’s retirement is a significant loss for Indian wrestling. Her journey has been inspirational, marked by resilience and determination. As the nation comes to terms with her retirement, the focus will likely shift to nurturing the next generation of wrestlers who can carry forward her legacy.

Phogat’s story underscores the intense pressures and challenges faced by athletes at the highest levels of competition. Her journey, though marked by setbacks, will remain a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.