Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement After Heartbreaking Disqualification from Paris Olympics 2024

(Source : Live Mint )In a shocking turn of events, India’s ace grappler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement on Thursday, following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. In an emotional message dedicated to her mother, Phogat expressed her heartbreak and exhaustion, saying, “Ma kushti mere se jeet gayi, main har gayi.” The post, shared on social media platform X, revealed the depth of her despair: “Forgive me, your dream, my courage is all broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.”

Vinesh Phogat faced a major setback on Wednesday when she was disqualified from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024 for being overweight. Phogat, who was poised to compete for gold and had already secured a silver medal for India, will now return from Paris without any medal. The Indian contingent was left devastated as Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the 50 kg weight limit just before her final match.

An Indian coach, speaking to PTI, confirmed the disqualification, stating, “She was found overweight by 100 gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified.” The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also released a statement expressing regret: “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, known for his support of Indian athletes, consoled Vinesh Phogat in a heartfelt message shared on X shortly after her exit was confirmed. “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” read the Prime Minister’s post.

The disqualification marks a bitter end to Vinesh Phogat’s illustrious career, spanning over two decades from 2001 to 2024. Her journey, filled with numerous victories and medals, ends on a poignant note as she bids farewell to the sport that has been her life.