‘Alvida Kushti’: Vinesh Phogat announces retirement after Olympic disqualification

India’s ace wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, announced her retirement from wrestling following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. The 29-year-old grappler was on the verge of competing for a gold medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event but was disqualified after exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams during the morning weigh-in on Wednesday.

In a heartfelt social media post, Vinesh expressed her heartbreak and bid farewell to the sport she has competed in professionally since 2001. “Wrestling won the match against me, I lost… my courage is all broken, I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be in your debt,” she wrote.

माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।

अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏

आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024

Key Points

• Disqualification Reason: Exceeded weight limit by 100 grams during weigh-in
• Response: Vinesh lodged a protest at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)
• Career Span: 2001-2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others from the sporting community have expressed their support and encouraged Vinesh to consider competing in the 2028 LA Games. However, Vinesh feels she has lost her final battle and doesn’t have the strength to continue.

CAS Appeal

• Appeal: Vinesh reached out to CAS, requesting a joint-silver medal
• Outcome: The matter will be taken up on Thursday morning

Despite her efforts to cut weight, including starving herself for a week and spending hours in the sauna, Vinesh fell short by 100 grams. Her place in the final was taken by Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman Lopez, who went on to compete against American Sarah Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt won the gold with a 3-0 victory.

Vinesh hopes that CAS will consider her appeal and award her a joint silver medal with Lopez.

Summary Table