File image of Vinesh Phogat at Paris Olympics 2024.© Reuters
Geeta Phogat congratulated her sister Vinesh Phogat at the conclusion of a fine wrestling career, saying that the country will be indebted for what she has done in the field of wrestling and called her an inspiration for women. Phogat on Thursday announced her retirement from wrestling following her disqualification in the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024. She shared her decision in an emotional post on X on Thursday morning.
"Maa kushti (Mother 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," Phogat said in her post.
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
Afterwards, Geeta, who is a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and World Championships medalist, took to X and wrote, "Sister, we will always be indebted to you for what you have done for the country Your passion and struggle will be remembered for centuries. You are a role model for all girls. You saying goodbye to wrestling like this is very sad for the whole family and the whole country."
@Phogat_Vinesh https://t.co/Ei4PHN7ATp
— geeta phogat (@geeta_phogat) August 8, 2024
Phogat had advanced to the gold medal bout by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
She was set to compete against the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal but was disqualified on Wednesday for breaching the weight limit.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed her shock and disappointment over Phogat's disqualification. She confirmed that while Phogat is physically and medically fine, she is disappointed. Usha noted that the support staff is actively working to help Phogat manage her weight.
"After hearing the news that Vinesh Phogat is disqualified, I am shocked and disappointed. I had come here to meet Vinesh; she is physically and medically okay. Mentally, she is disappointed. Our support staff is with her, trying their best to help her reduce weight," PT Usha said.
Earlier, Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent, revealed that Phogat exceeded the weight limit by 2.7 kg after her semi-final bout. He added that efforts were made to reduce her weight by restricting her food and water intake.
Phogat also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following her disqualification on Wednesday.
According to an IOA source, Phogat has requested the CAS to award her the silver medal. The verdict is expected on Thursday morning.
"Vinesh Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her disqualification, asking for the silver medal. CAS will give its verdict tomorrow morning," the source had told ANI.
In a fine career, Vinesh secured two World Championships bronze medals (2019 and 2022), an Asian Games gold (2018) and bronze (2014) and three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022). She was also a gold medalist in the Asian Championships at 2021 and has won silver and bronze at the continental level too.
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