Following her disqualification from the Olympics, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement in a poignant message on her X handle on Thursday. The 29-year-old expressed her heartbreak, writing, “Mai kushti jeet gayi, main haar gayi” (Wrestling has defeated me, I have lost).
Phogat’s retirement brings an end to a distinguished career that began in 2001 and concludes in 2024, marking a significant moment in Indian wrestling history.
She was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle final after weighing 100 grams over the permissible limit, which prevented her from competing in the gold medal match against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States.
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In her emotional post, Phogat conveyed her sense of defeat, stating, “Maaf karna, aapka sapna, meri himmat sab toot chuke. Isse zyada taqat nahi rahi ab” (Forgive me, I lost… my courage is all broken, I don’t have any more strength now). She concluded with, “Alvida, kushti” (goodbye wrestling).
Despite the setback, Phogat has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting a silver medal due to her victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez by 5-0, which qualified her for the finals. CAS has acknowledged her appeal and may issue a verdict soon.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed shock and disappointment over Phogat’s disqualification. Usha confirmed that Phogat is physically okay but emotionally distressed, and assured that support staff are working to help her.
