Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement After Paris Olympics Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat, India’s renowned wrestler, has announced her retirement from the sport just hours after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024. In an emotional early morning post on the social media platform X, Phogat revealed her decision, saying, “Wrestling won the match against me, I lost… 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…”

Phogat’s retirement follows a heartbreaking turn of events during the Paris Olympics. After a remarkable performance on Tuesday, where she defeated the previously unbeaten Yui Susaki of Japan, Phogat was disqualified on Wednesday morning for being overweight. She missed her chance to compete for the gold medal after being found 100 grams over the 50 kg limit during the second weigh-in.

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Her historic achievement of becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final was marred by this unfortunate setback. Despite her intense efforts to lose weight overnight, Phogat, who was under significant dehydration and fatigue, failed to meet the weight requirement. Her condition necessitated medical intervention, and she was admitted to the polyclinic in the Games Village for IV drips.

The disqualification placed Phogat at the bottom of the standings, as per United World Wrestling rules. This setback comes after a challenging performance in the Tokyo Olympics, marking a painful end to her Olympic redemption story.

Phogat’s announcement marks the end of a distinguished wrestling career, and her decision has drawn widespread sympathy and support from the sports community and her fans.