Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement from Olympics, Says, “Wrestling Won, I Lost” After Olympic Setback:
In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement. The 29-year-old, who became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final, was disqualified just a day before her gold medal bout in the 50 kg women’s category. Her dream of winning an Olympic gold was crushed when she was found to be overweight by a mere 100 grams during the mandatory weigh-in.
The Shocking Disqualification
Vinesh’s journey to the final was nothing short of spectacular. She showcased stunning performances, defeating opponents with ease. In the semi-final, she triumphed over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez with a score of 5-0. However, disaster struck when Tuesday morning’s weigh-in showed her being overweight by 100 grams. This led to her disqualification, a heart-wrenching end to her Olympic quest.
In her retirement post, Vinesh poignantly wrote, “Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024,” marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned over two decades.
An Appeal for Justice
Vinesh has taken her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal for the event. The decision is expected today. Her semi-final opponent, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, stepped in for the final match and clinched the silver medal, while America’s Sarah Hildebrandt secured the gold with a 3-0 victory.
A Legacy of Firsts and Triumphs
Hailing from Haryana, Vinesh Phogat’s career is a tale of groundbreaking achievements. She is a three-time Olympian, competing in different weight categories in each of her appearances. In Rio 2016, she contested in the 48 kg category, while in Tokyo 2020, she competed in the 53 kg category.
Vinesh’s list of accolades is impressive. She won three gold medals at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, 2018, and 2022, each in different weight categories. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games in 2018. Additionally, she has two bronze medals from the World Wrestling Championships in 2019 and 2022.
The End of an Era
Vinesh Phogat’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian wrestling. Her journey from a young girl in Haryana to an international wrestling sensation is inspirational. Despite the heartbreaking end to her Olympic dream, Vinesh’s legacy will live on, inspiring future generations of wrestlers.
As the sporting world awaits the CAS decision on her appeal for a joint silver medal, one thing is clear: Vinesh Phogat’s impact on wrestling and her indomitable spirit will be remembered for years to come.
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