New Delhi: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is currently uncertain about her retirement plans following a disheartening end to her Paris Olympics 2024 journey. Phogat's Olympic campaign was cut short when she was disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling final due to being 100 grams over the weight limit. This disqualification ended her historic run, as she had become the first Indian woman to reach the finals in Olympic wrestling.
Despite not securing a medal, Phogat was warmly received upon her return to India. Supporters gathered at the Delhi airport to greet her with garlands and showers of flowers. Phogat acknowledged their support from an open-roof car, visibly moved by the reception. She was also honored in her Haryana village, where she reflected on the emotional impact of missing out on an Olympic medal.
Phogat, 29, shared that the disappointment of not winning a medal is a significant blow that will take time to overcome. She expressed uncertainty about her retirement decision, saying, "This Olympic medal has become a deep wound. It will take time to heal, but I want to thank the people of my country, family, and village for their support, which helps me heal a bit. I am unsure about retiring from wrestling but will decide in due course."
She emphasized that her fight is far from over, stating, "Whatever courage you’ve given me, I want to carry it forward in the right direction. Our fight has not ended. This is a long struggle, and it will continue. I pray that truth prevails."
Following her disqualification, Phogat had appealed to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW) through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Unfortunately, her appeal was rejected after a week-long hearing.
In a separate development, the Delhi High Court has restored the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) ad-hoc committee's authority to manage the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) following a plea from wrestlers including Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sakshi Malik, and her husband Satyawart Kadian.
The Indian wrestling body plans to challenge the Delhi High Court's decision, arguing that such interference could negatively affect Indian wrestlers' participation in the upcoming World Championships.
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