Wrestling Icon Vinesh Phogat Retires After Shocking Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat, India's pioneering woman wrestler, has announced her retirement following a surprising disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics. The disqualification, due to being 100 gm overweight, left her out of contention for a gold medal. Veteran actor Dharmendra expressed sadness, while many film celebrities praised her legacy.

Vinesh Phogat, who made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, has announced her retirement following a surprising disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics. The veteran actor Dharmendra called Phogat the "brave adventurous daughter" of the soil and expressed profound sadness over the disqualification.

Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight ahead of her gold medal bout, costing her a chance at an unparalleled victory. Dharmendra, in his message, wished for her health and happiness, while his wife, actress and BJP MP Hema Malini, emphasized the significance of maintaining weight in competitive sports. Several other celebrities, including Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Farhan Akhtar, lauded Phogat as a "living legend."

In an emotional social media post, Phogat announced her decision to retire from international wrestling, expressing that she no longer had the strength to continue. Addressing her mother, she accepted her defeat and asked for forgiveness, noting that her dreams and courage had been shattered. The heartfelt message marked the end of her illustrious career, which spanned from 2001 to 2024.

(With inputs from agencies.)