Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement Following Olympic Disqualification

Paris: In a heart-wrenching decision, Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers, announced her retirement from international wrestling on Thursday after being disqualified from the women’s 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old was disqualified due to being 100 grams overweight, a small but costly margin that ended her Olympic dream. Vinesh took to social media to share her decision, expressing deep regret and seeking forgiveness from her supporters.

In a poignant message addressed to her mother, Vinesh wrote, “Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024.” Her announcement has sent shockwaves through the sports community, as Vinesh has been a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, with multiple accolades including World Championships bronze medals and golds at the Asian and Commonwealth Games.

Vinesh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian wrestling, where she not only achieved personal glory but also became a symbol of resilience, especially during her involvement in protests against the former Wrestling Federation of India chief. Her unexpected retirement following the disqualification has left her fans and the nation in mourning, closing a significant chapter in the history of Indian sports.