Disqualification Leads to Unexpected End
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers, has announced her retirement from the sport a day after a devastating disqualification at the Paris Olympics. The disqualification came after Phogat was found to be overweight by just 100 grams in the women’s 50kg wrestling event. Despite her remarkable journey to the finals, including ending Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Yui Susaki’s impressive 82-match winning streak, Phogat’s bid for Olympic glory was cut short by this stringent regulation.
A Crushing Blow
Phogat had been a formidable contender throughout the tournament. She made headlines for her impressive performance, defeating Susaki and advancing to the finals. However, her triumph was overshadowed by the weigh-in issue. Although Phogat had met the weight requirement on the first day, subsequent measures to manage her weight, including drastic steps like cutting her hair and drawing blood, were not enough to keep her within the limit.
In a poignant message to her mother Premlata, Phogat expressed her despair: “Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I shall be indebted to you all. Forgive (me).” This heartfelt announcement came early on Thursday via X, reflecting the deep emotional toll of her disqualification.
Legal Challenge and Medical Concerns
Following her disqualification, Phogat filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to overturn the decision and secure a joint-silver medal. The CAS, based in Lausanne, is expected to deliver a verdict soon. An ad-hoc division of CAS, specifically established to handle Olympic-related disputes, will review her appeal in the coming hours.
Phogat’s ordeal was further compounded by severe dehydration. In her desperate attempt to lose weight, she had resorted to extreme measures such as fasting, avoiding fluids, and enduring sleepless nights. This resulted in her spending much of the day at a polyclinic within the Olympic Village for treatment.
Replacement and Medal Prospects
As a result of Phogat’s disqualification, Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to Phogat in the semifinals, replaced her in the final against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt emerged victorious in the final, claiming the gold medal. Phogat’s hope now rests on the CAS appeal, which could potentially see her awarded a joint-silver medal alongside Lopez.
However, the international governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), has made it clear that no changes will be made to the weigh-in rules at this time. UWW President Nenad Lalovic expressed sympathy but stated that any adjustments would not be retroactive. The UWW also noted that discussions on potential rule changes would occur in the future, but they would not affect the current situation.
A Legacy Beyond the Mat
Phogat, a three-time Olympian with gold medals from both the Asian and Commonwealth Games, has been a significant figure in Indian wrestling. Her recent advocacy against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexual harassment, highlighted her role as a leading voice for change in the sport.
In the months leading up to the Paris Olympics, Phogat had also faced challenges, including the need to drop to the 50kg category after the Paris quota place was secured by Antim Panghal. Despite Panghal’s early exit and subsequent deportation issues, Phogat’s preparations and performance were overshadowed by the disqualification.
State Honors Amidst Controversy
In a show of support, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini announced that Phogat would be honored by the state as if she had won a medal. The state government plans to bestow upon her the respect, rewards, and facilities typically reserved for Olympic silver medalists. This gesture underscores the deep appreciation for Phogat’s contributions and achievements in wrestling, even as her Olympic dreams ended in heartbreak.
(With inputs from agencies)
