The Indian sports community was taken aback by the sudden announcement of Indian wrestling icon Vinesh Phogat’s retirement. Just one day later, the 29-year-old was ruled out of the women’s 50 kg gold medal match at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
Having made it to the last round after defeating strong opponents, including Olympic champion Yui Susaki from Tokyo, Phogat was tragically disqualified for being 100 grammes overweight. The disqualification turned out to be the last straw for the wrestler, who was facing historical consequences and suffering a catastrophic blow.
In a polite social media post, Phogat expressed her deep anguish, stating, “Wrestling won, I lost. Forgive me; your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now.” The announcement marked the end of a glittering career that saw her become a trailblazer for women’s wrestling in India.
Phogat, a three-time Olympian, was a regular performer on the world stage, bringing home several gold medals from the Asian and Commonwealth Games. Her ascent from a little Haryana town to the status of a national symbol was amazing.
Fans and the sports community have responded to her retirement news with astonishment and dismay. A lot of people have shown their support and unity with the wrestler, recognising the tremendous amount of pressure she must have faced.
The strict weight rules in wrestling and their potential effects on the mental and physical health of competitors are called into question by Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and retirement. It serves as a sobering reminder of the extreme pressure sportsmen have to perform flawlessly.
While our country mourns the loss of a sports icon, the time has come for us to reflect on all those challenges experienced by athletes and how important it is to give them the tools and resources to excel in life.
