Following her emotional exit from the Paris 2024 Olympics wrestling competition, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday. Despite a stellar performance leading up to the final, Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey ended in disappointment.
At the Paris Games, Vinesh advanced to the final of the women’s 50kg weight category after notable victories over top competitors, including defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan, former European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine, and reigning Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba. She was on track to become the first Indian woman to compete in a wrestling final at the Olympics.
However, her dream ended abruptly on the morning of the gold medal bout against the USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. Vinesh Phogat faced challenges with weight management, and despite her efforts to cut weight, she was slightly overweight during the mandatory weigh-in. Consequently, the officials disqualified her from the final match. As a result, she was disqualified from the final match.
The intense weight-cutting measures led to severe dehydration, and Vinesh Phogat required medical attention at a polyclinic in the Olympic Village due to restricted food and fluid intake.
In a poignant social media announcement, the 30-year-old Vinesh Phogat expressed her heartbreak and revealed that she is retiring from wrestling. Her departure marks the end of a remarkable career, leaving fans and the sports community reflecting on her impactful journey.
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