Vinesh Phogat announces retirement following Olympic disqualification

In a dramatic turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from competitive wrestling. This decision comes just a day after her disqualification from the Olympics due to being 100 grams overweight in her 50kg category. The 29-year-old grappler took to social media to share her retirement, expressing her emotional turmoil and inability to continue. Phogat’s announcement marks a poignant end to a career that has significantly impacted Indian wrestling.

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics was a significant blow to her career. On Wednesday, she was disqualified from the 50kg category gold medal bout due to being slightly overweight. Despite her extraordinary performance throughout the tournament, including a historic reach to the gold medal bout, the disqualification overshadowed her achievements.

In a heartfelt message addressed to her mother Premlata, Vinesh expressed her deep regret and announced her retirement, stating, "Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I shall be indebted to you all. Forgive me."

Vinesh’s emotional farewell reflects her profound connection to the sport that defined much of her life. The disqualification came after she had made it to the final, where she was set to compete against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. The Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom Vinesh had defeated in the semifinals, replaced her in the final match. Hildebrandt ultimately won the gold, leaving Vinesh hopeful for a joint silver medal if her appeal is successful.

The Aftermath and Future

Following her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) in hopes of overturning the decision. She requested that she be awarded a joint silver medal alongside Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. During the Olympics, Vinesh had to endure severe dehydration as she undertook desperate measures to meet the weight requirements. This included going without food, avoiding fluids, and staying up all night to sweat out the excess weight. The strain of these measures contributed to her health issues, ultimately impacting her performance.

An ad-hoc division of CAS is set to review her appeal in the coming hours. Despite the appeal, the international governing body for wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW), has clarified that the weigh-in rules cannot be changed retrospectively. The UWW President, Nenad Lalovic, acknowledged the suggestion from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) that a wrestler's results from the day they met the weigh-in requirements should not be disqualified. However, Lalovic emphasized that any changes to the rules would not apply retroactively.

Vinesh Phogat’s career has been marked by significant achievements. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category. Despite the setback of disqualification, she was assured of at least a silver medal before the ruling. Vinesh, a three-time Olympian, has also won gold medals in both the Asian and Commonwealth Games, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication to the sport.

Her retirement signifies the end of a prominent era in Indian wrestling. Vinesh’s legacy as a trailblazer in the sport is firmly established, and her departure from competitive wrestling is a poignant moment for the sport in India. Her achievements and contributions have inspired many young wrestlers and left a lasting impact on the wrestling community.

In conclusion, Vinesh Phogat's retirement marks a significant and emotional chapter in her storied career. Despite the unfortunate end to her Olympic journey, her contributions to wrestling and her inspiring achievements will be remembered and celebrated. Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement has left an indelible mark on Indian wrestling, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

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