Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat has announced retirement after a shocking disqualification at the Paris Olympics that kept every Indian disheartened. She had made it to the finals of the Wrestling competition at the Olympics but the International Olympics Committee had disqualified her due to being overweight. She was overweight by the barest of margins during the second weigh-in in the final. The wrestling star was the second Indian wrestler to reach the finals at the Olympics after Sakshi Malik. Sakshi Malik had won the bronze medal at the Rio Olympics 2016.
In a twitter post, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement. “Mom won the wrestling match against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream, my courage is all broken, I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024.I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.” In her illustrious career, Vinesh has won three Commonwealth Games Gold medal, One Asian Games Gold medal and two Championships bronze medal. Vinesh has a family background in wrestling as Geeta, Sangeeta and Babita are her cousins and they all are renowned wrestlers.
Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha, (a legendary sprinter in track and field) has expressed her disappointment after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified. IOA President PT Usha offers support to Vinesh Phogat, WFI appeals to UWW to reconsider disqualification IOA President PT Usha offers support to Vinesh Phogat, WFI appeals to UWW to reconsider disqualification, “Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Poly Clinic a short while ago and I showed her complete support from the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the whole country. We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation Of India has appealed to UWW and it is following this up in the strongest possible manner.” she said.
“I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night so that she could meet the competition requirements, ”she added. Meanwhile the CAS has accepted the appeal of Vinesh Phogat after she was announced disqualified in the 50 kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics. There is a scheduled hearing regarding this issue at 10 am on Friday.
Several sportspersons and gold medallists like Sakshi Malik, bronze medallist Bajrang Poonia, former sports minister Rajyavardhan Rathore and Vinesh’s sister Geeta Phogat have reacted after her disqualification. Sakshi Malik, a bronze medallist at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 58 kg category. She was the first Indian female wrestler to win a medal at the Olympics. She was conferred with Padma Shri by the government of India. She had to take voluntary retirement in 2023 as a mark of protest. Sakshi Malik along with Geeta Phogat and other wrestlers accused Brij Bhushan Singh of sexual assault and mental harassment. Brij Bhushan Singh was the President of Wrestling Federation Of India and also a 6 time member of parliament.
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“Vinesh you were not the one who lost. It’s the defeat of every daughter of our country for whom you fought. This is a defeat for the entire country. The country is with you. As an athlete I salute your struggle and passion,” said Sakshi Malik.
Rajyavardhan Rathore, a silver medallist at the Athens Olympics in 2004. In the 2002 Commonwealth Games held at Manchester, Rathore won the gold medal. e. In the year 2004, Rathore was conferred with the Arjuna award by Government of India. In the year 2013, Rathore joined the field of politics as he joined BJP(Bharatiya Janata Party). He was also an MP from Jaipur rural constituency. In 2014, he was the Minister in the State for Information and Broadcasting under the Narendra Modi led government.
“A sportsman life has years of struggle, ups and downs, then that important day comes to show the skills and win the game, then if this kind of mistake happens, then it is sad and heart breaking. But I want to say to Vinesh (Phogat) that she is young and should face this challenge and move ahead with a lot of positivity. She should face it. We are all with her, a champion is the who stands after falling” said Rajyavardhan Rathore.
Bajrang Punia, a bronze medallist at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Punia holds a unique record as he is the only Indian wrestler to have four medals in the World Wrestling Championship. Punia is married to wrestler and Vinesh Phogat’s sister Geeta Phogat.
“Vinesh has created history. Vinesh has become the first Indian female wrestler to reach the Olympic final in women’s wrestling. Today there are tears in the eyes of all Indians. These are the daughters of the country, who have always brought glory to the country. Those who have always placed thorns in the path of these daughters will at least learn a lesson from these daughters and will refrain from sowing thorns in their path in future,” said Bajrang Punia.
Geeta Phogat, a gold medallist at the World championship held in the year 2010. She was the first ever Indian wrestler to win a gold medal. Also she was the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the Olympics.
“Sister, we will always be indebted to you for what you have done for the country. Your passion and struggle will be remembered for centuries. You are a role model for all girls. Your saying goodbye to wrestling like this is very sad for the whole family and the whole country” said Geeta Phogat.
Ravi Kumar Dahiya, a silver medallist in wrestling at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in the 57 category. Dahiya is also a three time champion at the Asian championship and a bronze medallist at the World Wrestling Championship.
Ravi Kumar Dahiya wrote on Instagram “Suns don’t get distracted, moments don’t lose patience, embrace obstacles, make way through thorns. Vinesh, you are the real champ and pride of India. The whole country is a proof of your talent, diligence and talent. You are world champion for 140 crore Indians. You are a fighter and courageous player. We all believe that you will continuously increase the country’s pride.
