Vinesh Phogat's Emotional Retirement Sparks Calls for Reevaluation

With Vinesh Phogat's emotional retirement following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, the Wrestling Federation of India's president urges her to reconsider. Meanwhile, the Indian men's hockey team clinched a historic bronze medal, marking their first consecutive win in over five decades.

By Vivek Prabhakar Singh

Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from wrestling after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics final, prompting a plea from Wrestling Federation of India president Sanjay Singh for her to reconsider.

Phogat made her retirement decision public on Thursday via an emotional post on X, where she lamented, "Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness."

In an interview with ANI, Sanjay Singh stated, "She announced her retirement with a heavy heart. Upon her return to India, she should discuss with her family and our federations before making a final decision, as she is an exceptional wrestler."

Phogat progressed to the gold medal match by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals but was disqualified for breaching the weight limit ahead of her final against the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Sanjay Singh also mentioned that coach Antim Panghal and her sparring partner were deported for their involvement in the weight breach.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced, "Antim and her support staff violated disciplinary rules as reported by the French authorities, leading to their deportation."

Meanwhile, the WFI president congratulated the Indian men's hockey team for clinching the bronze medal. "I congratulate the team on behalf of WFI and the entire country," he said. India secured the bronze at the Paris Olympics, their first consecutive bronze medal since the 1972 Munich Games, after a 2-1 victory over Spain.

(With inputs from agencies.)