On August 8, 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling following a disqualification from the Paris Olympics finals. The 50kg category competitor was disqualified for being 100 grams over the permissible weight limit during the morning weigh-in, just ahead of the final match. The news came as a significant blow to the wrestling community and Phogat’s supporters.
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In an emotional post on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Phogat expressed her deep disappointment and sadness. “Mom, wrestling has defeated me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream, my courage is all broken, I don’t have any more strength now,” she wrote. Her post concluded with a heartfelt farewell: “Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024,” reflecting on her long career in the sport.
Phogat has not taken the disqualification lightly. She has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), requesting that she be awarded a joint silver medal. An ad-hoc division of CAS in Paris is handling the case, with a resolution expected later today. Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Phogat in the semifinals, replaced her in the final but ultimately lost to American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, who secured the gold medal.
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In recognition of Phogat’s achievements and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding her disqualification, the Haryana government has announced that she will be treated as an Olympic silver medallist. Chief Minister Nayab Saini declared that Phogat would receive the same prize money and facilities, acknowledging her as a champion despite the disqualification. The announcement underscores Phogat’s significant contribution to Indian sports and her enduring legacy as a top athlete.
