Dharmendra Mourns Vinesh Phogat's Retirement Post Olympic Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement after being disqualified from the 50 kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics. Veteran actor Dharmendra expressed sadness, praising her courage. Phogat shared her decision in an emotional post. IOA President PT Usha and officials are aiding her in managing the aftermath.

After Vinesh Phogat's unexpected retirement from wrestling following a disqualification in the women's 50 kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics, iconic actor Dharmendra expressed deep sadness. He described Phogat as a 'brave, adventurous daughter' of India, sharing his sentiments on Instagram along with her photograph.

'Darling daughter Vinesh, we are extremely sad to hear the news. You are a brave adventurous daughter of the soil. We love you and always pray for your health and happiness. Be happy, healthy, and strong for your family and your loving people,' Dharmendra wrote. Phogat announced her retirement in the early hours of Thursday after being disqualified for breaching the weight limit.

Phogat shared her decision through an emotional post on X, stating, '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.'

Despite defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals, Phogat was barred from competing against the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for a gold medal due to the disqualification. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed her shock, confirming Phogat's disappointment despite being physically and medically fine. Usha assured that support staff are helping Phogat manage her weight.

Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent, disclosed that Phogat exceeded the weight limit by 2.7 kg post her semi-final bout. Efforts to reduce her weight included restricting food and water intake. Additionally, Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), requesting the silver medal in light of her disqualification.

Throughout her illustrious career, Vinesh Phogat has garnered multiple accolades including two World Championships bronze medals, an Asian Games gold and bronze, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. She remains a celebrated figure in Indian wrestling.