In a heartfelt announcement on Wednesday, Vinesh Phogat declared her retirement from wrestling following her disqualification before the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics.
Phogat, who was set to compete for gold against American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, missed the weight requirement by a mere 100 grams despite a week of intense efforts, including fasting and spending hours in the sauna.
Phogat, 29, expressed her devastation on X, writing, “Wrestling won and I lost. My dreams are shattered. I don’t have any more strength. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be grateful to all of you. I am sorry.”
Due to her disqualification, Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman Lopez replaced Phogat in the final. Hildebrandt went on to win the gold medal with a 3-0 victory.
Vinesh Phogat’s career, spanning over two decades, has been marked by numerous accolades and a relentless spirit. Her retirement marks the end of an era for Indian wrestling, leaving fans and the wrestling community in deep reflection.
