Introduction – Olympics
This decision came just a day after she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg competition at the Paris Olympics for being overweight.Expressing her sorrow on social media platform X, Vinesh wrote, “Mother wrestling won against me, I lost. Your dreams and my courage are shattered. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be indebted to you all. Sorry
.”The announcement has left the Indian sports community in shock. Fellow wrestler and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist, Bajrang Punia, expressed his support, saying, “You will always remain a winner for us. Apart from being India’s daughter, you are the pride of India.”Olympic bronze-medallist Sakshi Malik also shared her sentiments, stating, “Every daughter has lost for whom you fought and won.”Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Sanjay Singh urged Vinesh to reconsider her decision. “I got to know about her retirement through social media and I am also shocked to learn she decided to retire on her own,” he said. “So I would urge her on behalf of the WFI to not make decisions in a sad state of mind and make a rational decision once she has recovered from the debacle mentally. We will also talk to her.”Vinesh Phogat’s retirement marks the end of an era in Indian wrestling, leaving behind a legacy of courage and determination.
