Why did Vinesh Phogat quit wrestling? The Paris Olympics scandal that shattered her career

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from competitive wrestling after her controversial disqualification from the 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The announcement, made early on Thursday, August 8, came as a shock to the sports community and was accompanied by a heart-wrenching message from Phogat herself.

In a deeply emotional social media post, Phogat apologised to her mother, saying, “Mother, wrestling won and I lost to it, please forgive me. Your dreams, my strength, everything is shattered, I don’t have any more strength left in me.” This poignant declaration underscored the personal and professional toll the disqualification has taken on Phogat, who has been a leading figure in Indian wrestling for years.

Disqualification Controversy

The disqualification occurred on August 7, just hours before the 50kg freestyle final. Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight at the official weigh-in, a situation that has sparked considerable debate. The strict weight regulations in wrestling are crucial to ensure fair competition, but Phogat’s disqualification has raised questions about the processes and support available to athletes.

Phogat had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to overturn the disqualification and reinstate her for the gold medal match. When this request was denied, she sought a modified plea for a shared silver medal. CAS responded by indicating that they could not intervene in the final’s outcome, leading Phogat to request a joint silver medal, which CAS is expected to rule on later today.

Efforts to Prevent Disqualification

The disqualification came despite the extensive efforts of Phogat’s support team. Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the chief physician for the Indian Olympic contingent, revealed that the support staff had tried to assist Phogat in managing her weight, but these efforts were unsuccessful. Phogat was subsequently hospitalised at a local polyclinic as a precautionary measure. She had earlier been treated for dehydration due to aggressive weight management in the lead-up to the final.

Phogat’s weight issues have been attributed to the intense pressure and stringent weight-cutting practices that are common in competitive wrestling. The incident highlights the broader challenges faced by athletes in managing their weight while maintaining peak performance levels.

Impact and Legacy

Vinesh Phogat’s retirement is a significant loss to the Indian wrestling community. Known for her dynamic wrestling style and resilience, Phogat has been a prominent figure in Indian sports. She won a bronze medal at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships and has been a key player in India’s international wrestling successes. Her retirement, therefore, marks the end of a significant era in Indian wrestling.

Phogat’s career has been marked by both triumph and struggle. Her disqualification and subsequent retirement are a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by athletes at the highest levels of competition. As the wrestling community reflects on her career, Phogat’s contributions and the challenges she faced will undoubtedly be remembered as a vital part of her legacy.