Vinesh Phogat, the renowned Indian wrestler, has announced her retirement from the sport following her disqualification from the 50 kg freestyle wrestling final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision comes just a day after she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit during the weigh-in, which ultimately barred her from competing for the gold medal she had reached after defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals.
In an emotional message posted on social media, Phogat expressed her heartbreak, stating, "Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024" . She indicated that this was not just a loss in competition but a profound personal defeat, reflecting on her long journey in wrestling since her debut in 2001.
Phogat's disqualification has drawn significant attention, with Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha expressing her shock and disappointment. Usha confirmed that Phogat is physically fine but mentally devastated by the outcome. Following the disqualification, Phogat appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal, which is still pending a decision.
This retirement marks a significant moment in Phogat's career, as she has been a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, having won multiple medals at international events, including the Asian and Commonwealth Games.
In an emotional message posted on social media, Phogat expressed her heartbreak, stating, "Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024" . She indicated that this was not just a loss in competition but a profound personal defeat, reflecting on her long journey in wrestling since her debut in 2001.
Phogat's disqualification has drawn significant attention, with Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha expressing her shock and disappointment. Usha confirmed that Phogat is physically fine but mentally devastated by the outcome. Following the disqualification, Phogat appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal, which is still pending a decision.
This retirement marks a significant moment in Phogat's career, as she has been a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, having won multiple medals at international events, including the Asian and Commonwealth Games.
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