New Delhi, India (Date): In a shocking turn of events, Indian wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday, just hours after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics final. The 29-year-old, who was on the cusp of securing a historic Olympic medal, was unable to make weight for the 50kg category final, leaving her heartbroken and disillusioned.
Phogat took to social media to share her anguish, stating, “Wrestling beat me, I don’t have any more strength to fight back. My heart is shattered, and I can’t continue this journey anymore.” Her announcement sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting fraternity and left fans devastated.
The weight cut drama unfolded on the day of the final, with Phogat struggling to shed the required weight. Despite frantic efforts, she fell short of the target, resulting in her disqualification. The news came as a bitter blow for the Indian contingent, who were eagerly anticipating a medal from Phogat.
Phogat’s journey to the Olympics has been nothing short of inspiring. Hailing from a wrestling family in Haryana, she rose to prominence with her exceptional skills and unwavering determination. She clinched gold medals at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, besides winning bronze at the 2019 World Championships, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to achieve this feat.
Her performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she reached the quarter-finals, further cemented her status as a rising star in the world of wrestling. However, the Tokyo Olympics proved to be a setback for her, as she suffered a shock defeat in the first round.
Undeterred by the disappointment, Phogat bounced back with renewed vigor, determined to make amends at the Paris Olympics. She trained relentlessly and overcame numerous challenges to qualify for the Games. But fate dealt her a cruel blow just when she was on the brink of realizing her Olympic dream.
Phogat’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian women’s wrestling. She has been a trailblazer and an inspiration for millions of young girls, proving that women can excel in sports traditionally dominated by men. Her achievements will be remembered for years to come.
The wrestling fraternity has expressed shock and sadness at Phogat’s decision. Coaches, teammates, and fans have lauded her contributions to the sport and wished her well for her future endeavors.
While Phogat’s retirement is undoubtedly a loss for Indian wrestling, her legacy as a champion will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. Her story is a testament to the unwavering spirit of a true fighter who gave her everything to achieve her dreams.
