In a surprising turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from the sport. This decision comes just a day after she faced disqualification for failing to meet the weight requirement during the weigh-in at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Disappointment for Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics
The 29-year-old grappler was on the brink of competing for a gold medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category, but her weight exceeded the limit by a mere 100 grams during the morning weigh-in.
Vinesh Phogat was set to face the US wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt in the finals. However, her disqualification due to the weight discrepancy shattered her Olympic dreams.
Vinesh Phogat, a champion wrestler 🙌 pic.twitter.com/b0s6J6amZG
— ESPN India (@ESPNIndia) August 8, 2024
Announcing her retirement, she said in a post on X in Hindi, “Ma Kusti (Mother, wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage has been broken. I don’t have any more strength now.”
“Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024,” she added in the post.
Beyond the ring, Phogat remains a prominent figure in endorsements. She endorses brands like Nike, Iqoo, MuscleBlaze, and Country Delight. Fellow athletes, including Bajrang Punia, have expressed their admiration for Vinesh Phogat’s achievements and the impact she has had on Indian wrestling.
This unexpected retirement marks the end of an era for Vinesh Phogat, who leaves behind a legacy of determination and resilience on the wrestling mat. Her journey, though cut short, will continue to inspire aspiring athletes across the nation.
Also Read: Mirabai Chanu misses the bronze medal by a whisker at the Paris Olympics 2024
