Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from wrestling after Paris Olympics disqualification

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 8, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

Vinesh Phogat advanced to the gold medal match after a decisive 5-0 victory over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.

Digital Desk: Following her devastating disqualification before the Paris Olympics wrestling final, Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday. Vinesh was poised to make history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. However, the 29-year-old missed the weight limit by 100 grams during Wednesday morning's weigh-in, resulting in her disqualification from the 50kg category event.

“Mother, wrestling beat me, I lost. Your dream and my courage are all broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be in your debt,” Vinesh wrote on X.

Vinesh Phogat's Journey at the 2024 Olympics

Vinesh Phogat advanced to the gold medal match after a decisive 5-0 victory over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals on Tuesday night. She was scheduled to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal but was disqualified on Wednesday due to exceeding the weight limit.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed her shock and disappointment over Phogat's disqualification. Usha confirmed that while Phogat is in good physical and medical condition, she is understandably mentally distressed. The support staff is working diligently to assist Phogat with weight management.

"I am deeply shocked and disappointed by the news of Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. I visited her and found that she is physically and medically okay, though she is mentally upset. Our support staff is doing everything possible to help her manage her weight," ANI quoted PT Usha as saying.

Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent, previously disclosed that Phogat exceeded the weight limit by 2.7 kg following her semi-final bout. Measures were taken to reduce her weight by limiting her food and water intake.

Phogat has also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following her disqualification. According to an IOA source, she has requested CAS to award her the silver medal, with a decision expected on Thursday morning.

"Vinesh Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her disqualification, seeking the silver medal. CAS is expected to deliver its verdict tomorrow morning," ANI reported, citing sources.