Paris Olympics 2024 : After being disqualified from the Paris Olympics, Indian female wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday. She mentioned that her dream and courage have shattered, and she no longer has the strength to continue.
Vinesh posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Mother Wrestling has defeated me; I have lost. Sorry, your dream and my courage are broken. I have no more strength left. Goodbye wrestling, 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all. Apologies.”
माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏
आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏
On Wednesday, Vinesh was disqualified from the Olympics for failing to complete the weigh-in process a few hours before her gold medal match. Her weight was 100 grams over the limit, causing significant distress and leading to her decision to retire from wrestling today.
The 29-year-old wrestler made history when she defeated Cuba’s Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinal, securing her place in the final. She became the first Indian female wrestler to do so in the Olympics, ensuring at least a silver medal in the 50 kg wrestling category. The entire nation was confident of at least one medal.
Vinesh participated in three tough matches on Tuesday, leading to dehydration. Despite drinking minimal water, cutting her hair, and exercising to ensure she stayed within the weight limit, the disappointment on Wednesday broke her spirit. She was taken to the polyclinic in the athletes’ village due to dehydration.
What Do UWW Rules Say?
Following Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules have come under discussion. According to the rules, a wrestler is allowed multiple weigh-ins during the designated period. If an athlete fails to be present or gets disqualified during the first and second weigh-ins, they are removed from the competition, finishing last without a rank.
