Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday, August 8, 2024, following her disqualification from the 50kg Paris Olympics finals. She was disqualified after weighing 100 grams over the allowed limit during the morning weigh-in before the final.
In a heartfelt message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), she officially announced her retirement from wrestling and wrote, “Mother, wrestling has defeated me; I have lost. Forgive me, your dreams and my courage have all been shattered. I no longer have the strength to continue. Goodbye, wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to all of you. Apologies.”
Who Is Vinesh Phogat?
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams during her women’s freestyle 50kg final weigh-in. She was the first Indian woman wrestler to advance to the gold medal match in this event.
Who Is Vinesh Phogat’s Father?
Vinesh Phogat, a notable Indian wrestler born on August 25, 1994, in Bhiwani, Haryana, comes from a wrestling-centric family. She is the daughter of, Vinod Phogat and Sarla Devi. Additionally, she is the niece of, Mahavir Singh Phogat, a renowned coach and Dronacharya Awardee, who was instrumental in introducing her to the sport during her early years.
Vinesh Phogat’s Sisters
Priyanka Phogat is Vinesh’s biological sister, meanwhile Geeta Phogat, Ritu Phogat, and Babita Kumari who are also wrestlers are Vinesh’s cousin sisters.
Vinesh Phogat’s Husband
On December 13, 2018, Vinesh Phogat married Somvir Rathee, a fellow wrestler from Jind. The couple, who have been acquainted since 2011, both worked for the Indian Railways.
Vinesh Phogat’s Wrestling Career
Vinesh Phogat is a multiple gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, having secured gold in 2014, 2018, and 2022. She made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to claim gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games, with her victory in the 2018 Asian Games. Additionally, she has earned two bronze medals at the World Wrestling Championships.
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