Vinesh Phogat Hints at Possible Wrestling Comeback After Emotional Return from Paris Olympics
Following a heart-wrenching announcement of her retirement on August 8, the day after her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics due to being 100 grams overweight, Vinesh Phogat has left the door open for a potential return to wrestling. The 29-year-old grappler had initially declared her retirement after being disqualified from what was supposed to be her gold-medal match and facing further disappointment when her appeal for a joint silver medal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Phogat, deeply moved by the outpouring of support from fans upon her return to India, expressed renewed hope and contemplation about her future in wrestling. Her emotional homecoming saw her village of Balali in Charkhi Dadri district turn into a scene of heartfelt celebrations, with thousands of people lining the streets and cheering for her. The journey home took over 12 hours due to the massive reception she received.
The reception was especially poignant as Phogat, who had been a key figure in last year’s wrestling protest against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, was greeted by her close friends and fellow wrestlers, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik. The trio had been central to the protest advocating for reforms in wrestling governance.
Phogat reflected on her Olympic disappointment with deep sorrow, stating, “Missing the Olympic medal is the biggest wound in my life. However, the love and support I received from my fellow Indians, my village, and my family have given me the courage to consider healing this wound. Maybe, I could return to wrestling.”
Her uncle, Mahavir Phogat, had previously expressed his hope that Vinesh would reconsider her decision and prepare for the next Olympics in Los Angeles. Vinesh herself acknowledged the courage she gained from the overwhelming support and is now contemplating the right direction for her future.
The accomplished wrestler, who has won a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games, three Commonwealth Games gold medals, and two World Championships bronze medals, also expressed a desire for the young girls in her village to follow in her footsteps and achieve even greater success. She hopes that her legacy will inspire and promote women wrestlers from her village, which she considers her greatest achievement.
“I genuinely wish that someone from my village carries forward my legacy and surpasses my records. If I can contribute to promoting women wrestlers from my village, it would be my biggest achievement,” Phogat concluded.
(With inputs from agency)
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