• durgesh dubey
• 08 Aug, 2024

Vinesh Phogat

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement on August 8, 2024, following her disqualification from the 50kg category final at the Paris Olympics for being overweight. In a heartfelt message on social media, she expressed her disappointment and exhaustion, stating, "Wrestling won and I lost. My dreams are shattered. I don't have any more strength."

Phogat has appealed her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), requesting a joint silver medal. An Indian Olympic Association (IOA) source confirmed the appeal, noting it was filed by her team. The CAS Ad Hoc Division, established in Paris for disputes during the Olympic Games, will hear the case on August 8, 2024.

Vinesh Phogat's disqualification marked a significant setback as she had become the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. Despite efforts to meet the weight requirement, she was found slightly overweight and was replaced in the final by Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom Phogat had defeated in the semifinals.

The Indian wrestling community has shown support for Phogat. Former wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt called it a loss for both India and Vinesh, urging people to stand by her during this challenging time. Dutt emphasized that such incidents have occurred with other international athletes, highlighting the strict enforcement of Olympic rules.