The nation was taken aback this morning with the unexpected announcement of Vinesh Phogat’s retirement from wrestling, following her disqualification from the 50kg gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics. The news has sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and beyond.
Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, revealed her decision to retire on Thursday morning, shortly after being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams during the weigh-in. Her retirement came as a jolt to fans and fellow athletes alike.
In reaction to the news, her cousin Ritu Phogat expressed deep admiration for Vinesh’s career, stating, “Aapka ye sangharshpoorna kushti ka safar aur chunautiyaan sadiyon tak yaad rakhi jayegi. Aapka naam itihaas mein swarn aksharon mei likha jayega. Aap karodhon ladkiyon ki prerna ho, ummed ho, jeet ho. Humei aap par garv hai.” (Your struggles and challenges in wrestling will be remembered for centuries! Your name will be written in golden letters in history. You are the inspiration and hope of millions of girls. We are proud of you.)
Also Read: Olympic Wrestlers React To Vinesh Phogat’s Retirement After Disqualification
Vinesh, 29, was competing in her third Olympic Games and had made history earlier in the week by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Her journey to Paris was seen as a chance for redemption following disappointing performances in previous Games. At the Rio Olympics, she was forced to withdraw due to injury, and in Tokyo, she was eliminated in the quarterfinals despite being a top seed.
The Paris Games were intended to be her comeback, but her disqualification from the final bout on Wednesday dashed those hopes. As per international wrestling regulations, Vinesh will be ranked last in the competition due to the disqualification.
In a further development, Vinesh has appealed her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal in the 50kg weight category.
The wrestling world and her fans are grappling with the sudden end of what was poised to be a remarkable chapter in her storied career. Her cousin Sangeeta Phogat reflected on the emotional impact of the decision, stating, “Humne bachpan se dekha hai Vinesh ko har cheez ke liye ladte huye aur har haar ke baad dobara uth kar ladte huye! Aaj hum bhi aapko hausla nahin de sakte kyuki aapke is faisle ne humei andar tal dhajhodh diya hai.” (Since childhood, we have seen Vinesh fighting for what is right and rising again after every defeat. Today, we find ourselves at a loss for words of encouragement because your decision has shaken us to the core. You are a great player.)
As the wrestling community reflects on Vinesh Phogat’s significant yet tumultuous career, her legacy as a trailblazer for Indian women in sports remains indelible.
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