Popular Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat decided to retire from wrestling after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024, putting an end to her glorious career. Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle wrestling event final for being 100gms above the permissible weight limit.
The Haryana-born wrestler defeated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals to become the first Indian female wrestler to make it to the finals of an Olympics wrestling event. After acing the semi-finals, Phogat weighed 52.7kgs, which was 2.7kgs higher than the weight limit in her category.
Post that, Phogat’s team tried their best to decrease her weight through exercise, running, limiting her food and water intake and even cutting her hair and the edges of her wrestling outfit. Yet sadly, she weighed 100gms over the limit at the weigh-in on the day of her final match.
Phogat was just one victory away from bagging an Olympic gold and with her disqualification, Phogat and millions of Indians around the world were heartbroken.
In her career spanning more than a decade, Phogat won multiple laurels for India. Her remarkable accomplishments include becoming the first Indian female wrestler to clinch a gold at the Asian Games and bagging three golds at the Commonwealth Games.
Phogat’s career has been defined by her resilience in the face of adversity. From overcoming a career-threatening knee injury to fighting against systemic injustices, she has consistently exemplified the true spirit of a champion. Her determination to win an Olympic medal has inspired a generation of athletes and even in the face of disqualification, Phogat’s grace and sporting spirit continue to shine.
Though she may not have an Olympic gold medal, Phogat has etched her name in history as a golden fighter who stood up for what was right. She will forever remain a people’s champion, embodying the courage, strength and spirit of a true warrior.
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