PARIS: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from wrestling following a heart-breaking disqualification before the women’s 50 kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday.
Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams, despite intense efforts to lose weight, including starving herself for a week. Phogat, 29, was set to face American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt for the gold medal but was found to be slightly over the weight limit during the morning weigh-in, leading to her disqualification. She was replaced in the final by Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman Lopez, who had earlier been defeated by Phogat in the semi-finals. Hildebrandt went on to win the gold with a 3-0 victory.
In an emotional message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Phogat expressed her devastation: “Wrestling won and I lost. My dreams are shattered. I don’t have any more strength. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all. I am sorry.”
Phogat’s disqualification was confirmed by the Indian Olympic Association at 8:30 am Paris time. Reports indicate that her weight was within the limit before the competition, but on Tuesday night, she was found to be nearly 2 kg over the limit. Despite her efforts throughout the night, including jogging, skipping, and cycling, she could not meet the required weight by the time of the weigh-in.
In response to the disqualification, Phogat has filed an appeal with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to be awarded the silver medal. She argues that the initial weight gain was justified and should not have led to her disqualification. The court is expected to review her appeal and issue a decision later today.
