Vinesh Phogat, the 29-year-old wrestling star, announced her retirement on Thursday, following her disqualification from the gold medal bout in the 50 kg women’s category at the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat, who made history as the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final, was just one match away from potentially securing a historic gold medal.
Despite her impressive journey, her hopes were dashed when she was found 100 grams overweight during the mandatory weigh-in on Tuesday morning. Reflecting on her career, Phogat shared a farewell message: “Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024.”
Phogat had secured her place in the final with a dominant 5-0 victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. After her disqualification, Lopez took Phogat’s place in the final and won a silver medal. Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA, who initially expected to face Phogat, won the gold with a 3-0 score.
In a bid for justice, Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal for the event. The decision on her appeal is expected later today.
Hailing from Haryana, Phogat is a three-time Olympian, having competed in different weight categories across three Games. She participated in the 48 kg category in Rio 2016, the 53 kg in Tokyo 2020, and the 50 kg in Paris 2024.
