Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement After Disqualification at Paris Olympics

Paris/New Delhi, 8th August 2024: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from competitive wrestling following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. In a heartfelt post on X early Thursday morning, Phogat wrote, “Maa wrestling won over me, I lost. Sorry, your dream, my courage, all are broken. I do not have more strength than this now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024, I will always be indebted to all of you, sorry.”

Phogat’s announcement comes after she was disqualified on August 7 for exceeding the weight limit in her 50kg category. Despite filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) seeking to be jointly awarded a silver medal, her request was not granted. Haryana Chief Minister Naib Saini has since announced that the state government will honor Phogat as if she had won an Olympic silver medal.

Phogat’s disqualification came after her weight was recorded at 100 grams over the 50kg limit. She had been given the opportunity to compete in the final against American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, but the rules allowed Cuba’s Guzman Lopez—whom Phogat had defeated in the semi-finals—to take her place in the final match.

In response to the disqualification, Indian Olympic team doctor Dinshaw Paudiwala explained that Phogat and her coach learned of her excess weight on the night of August 6. “She worked tirelessly throughout the night—jogging, skipping, cycling—to shed the excess weight,” said Paudiwala. “She even cut her hair and nails, and altered her clothes, but despite these efforts, her weight remained slightly over the limit.”

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed regret over Phogat’s disqualification. “It is unfortunate that despite all-night efforts, Vinesh’s weight was found to be marginally over the limit,” the IOA stated. “We request everyone to respect her privacy and will not comment further at this time. Our focus is now on upcoming competitions.”

Phogat’s disqualification was met with widespread disappointment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media to express his support, writing, “Vinesh, you are a champion of champions. Your resilience is an inspiration. This setback is painful, but I know you will face it with courage and come back stronger.”

Phogat, who was a key figure in the movement against former Wrestling Federation of India President Brijbhushan Singh, had previously been involved in protests for the rights of female wrestlers. Her disqualification in Paris followed a contentious selection trial for the Olympics, where she had to drop from her original weight category of 53kg to 50kg.

Before her elimination, Mahavir Phogat, Vinesh’s uncle and Dronacharya Awardee, had expressed hope for a gold medal, calling her progress a significant achievement against adversities.

The Indian wrestling community and fans are mourning the end of Phogat’s Olympic journey with mixed feelings of pride and sorrow.