New Delhi: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from wrestling following a surprising disqualification that dashed her Olympic dreams. In an emotional farewell, Phogat declared, “Alvida kushti” (goodbye wrestling), expressing her disheartened decision to leave the sport.

The 29-year-old athlete was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight before her gold medal bout in the 50 kg category. Phogat, who had been a standout performer, has appealed the disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal alongside Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.

In a heartfelt social media post, Phogat shared her sorrow, saying, “Wrestling match against me, I lost. Forgive me. Your dream and my courage – all are broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you.”

Phogat spent a significant part of the day at a polyclinic in the Olympic Games village due to severe dehydration. Her condition resulted from extreme measures taken to meet the weight requirements, including fasting, avoiding fluids, and staying up all night.

The CAS has established an ad-hoc division to address disputes during the Olympics and in the ten days leading up to the Games. While Phogat's appeal is pending, Cuban wrestler Guzman Lopez, who lost to Phogat in the semifinals, replaced her in the final against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt won the gold medal, and Phogat is now hoping for a resolution from CAS to secure a joint silver medal.

The International Wrestling Federation, United World Wrestling (UWW), has stated that the current weigh-in rules cannot be altered retroactively. UWW President Nenad Lalovic expressed sympathy towards the Indian Olympic Association’s suggestion to reconsider the disqualification but confirmed that changes would not be applied to past events.

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