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"My courage is all broken...": Vinesh Phogat Bids Farewell to the Sport after Paris Olympics Disqualification
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Thursday announced her retirement from the sport following her disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics. Phogat, a contender in the 50 kg women's freestyle wrestling category, was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight on the day of her final match. This ruling came just before her bout against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, ending her hopes to clinch the gold.
"Mom won the wrestling match against me, I lost. 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," wrote Vinesh announcing her retirement from the sport.
After her semi-final win over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, she was found to be 2.7 kg over the weight limit. Phogat, 29, had undergone extreme measures to make weight, including severe dehydration, avoiding food and fluids, chopping off her hair and staying awake all night. Following her disqualification, she was taken to a polyclinic for medical attention owing to severe dehydration.
The Indian wrestler has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for the silver medal. The CAS verdict on Phogat’s appeal is expected soon. The United World Wrestling (UWW) has clarified that the weigh-in rules will not be amended retroactively.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed her disappointment over Phogat's disqualification. “I am shocked and disappointed. I had come here to meet Vinesh; she is physically and medically okay. Mentally, she is disappointed. Our support staff is with her, trying their best to help her reduce weight," said the IOA President.
Vinesh Phogat’s cousin and fellow wrestler Geeta Phogat lauded her and came out in her support. "Your passion and struggle will be remembered for centuries. You are a role model for all girls. Your saying goodbye to wrestling like this is very sad for the whole family and the whole country," said Phogat's cousin.
India has secured three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, all in shooting events, and narrowly missed additional medals in other sports, including badminton, weightlifting and archery.
