In a heart-wrenching turn of events that has sent shockwaves through India, star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics and subsequently announced her retirement from the sport. The 29-year-old was unable to make weight for her 50kg category, missing the mark by a mere 100 grams.
Phogat, a former Commonwealth and Asian Games champion, was considered one of India’s brightest medal hopes. Her journey to Paris was marked by intense weight loss efforts, including drastic measures like starvation and sauna sessions. Despite these sacrifices, she fell short of the required weight, a devastating blow to her and the entire nation.
The disqualification came after Phogat had secured a stunning victory over defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan, positioning her as a strong contender for the gold medal. The Indian contingent, as well as millions of fans back home, were left stunned and heartbroken by the turn of events.
India’s chief medical officer, Dinshaw Paudiwala, detailed the challenging circumstances, revealing that Phogat had undergone extreme measures to make weight. “She was given water to prevent dehydration before her bouts on Tuesday,” he explained, “which led to a greater than usual increase in her weight. We tried everything,” he added, “but it was impossible to shed those extra grams.”
In a poignant social media post, Phogat announced her retirement, expressing her deep disappointment and the insurmountable pressure she had endured. “Wrestling won and I lost. My dreams are shattered. I don’t have any more strength. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024,” she wrote.
Phogat’s career has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. She faced a similar heartbreak at the 2016 Rio Olympics when a knee injury forced her out of the competition.
The news of her disqualification and retirement has triggered an outpouring of support from fellow athletes, fans, and officials.India mourns the loss of a remarkable competitor and a true inspiration. Vinesh Phogat’s legacy as a trailblazing wrestler will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come.
Related – Paris 2024 Shock: Vinesh Phogat Defeats Unbeaten Yui Susaki
