Heartbroken over her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, India’s top wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement. She was on the verge of winning a gold medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event but exceeded the weight limit by 100 grams during the morning weigh-in on Wednesday. Vinesh filed a protest with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to challenge her disqualification. In a social media post, she said wrestling defeated her and broke her spirit. Vinesh started her professional career in 2001, and 2024 marked her final year as a competitor.
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat bids goodbye to wrestling, tweets, “Wrestling won match against me, I lost…my courage is all broken, I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024….” pic.twitter.com/piTBpkr1t8
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The disqualification of the 29-year-old wrestler from the Paris Olympic Games disappointed over a billion people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his support and encouragement for Vinesh on social media. Many from the sports community also backed Vinesh, urging her to concentrate on the 2028 LA Games for a shot at an Olympic wrestling gold medal. However, Vinesh feels she has lost her last chance and believes she doesn’t have the strength to continue.
Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified?
Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in. She appealed to CAS, requesting a joint silver medal. An ad-hoc division of CAS was established here to resolve any disputes arising during the Olympic Games or the 10 days leading up to the Opening Ceremony. The matter will be addressed on Thursday morning.
Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh in the semifinals, took Vinesh’s place in the final against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
Hildebrandt won the match to claim the gold medal, and Vinesh is now relying on CAS to award her a joint silver medal with Lopez.
She was taken to a polyclinic at the Games village because she was severely dehydrated after taking extreme measures to qualify, including going without food, avoiding fluids, and staying up all night to sweat.
Also Read: India Challenges Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification At Paris Olympics 2024
