Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement on Thursday following her disqualification from the Olympics.
She shared an emotional message on X. Expressing her sorrow, she said, “Maa kushti jeet gayi, main haar gayi” (Wrestling has defeated me, I have lost). Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg freestyle final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Wednesday because she exceeded the weight limit during the weigh-in for the final, resulting in her disqualification.
माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।
अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏
आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
In her apology to fans, Vinesh admitted that her courage had faltered and she could no longer continue. Her retirement marks the end of a distinguished career that began in 2001 and concluded in 2024.
She also expressed her gratitude, stating that she will always be grateful to her supporters. “Alvida, kushti,” she concluded, signifying the end of an era in Indian wrestling.
