She gave her sweat, she gave her blood, and she even gave a few locks of hair, but still fell short by 100 grams – that’s what kept Vinesh Phogat from completing her journey to gold after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 for being overweight in the Women’s 50 kg final. An entire nation felt defeated as in a heartwrenching post, a dejected Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling. “Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is shattered. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024),” wrote Phogat. Vinesh also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal and soon after she announced her retirement. The CAS has deferred their verdict to August 13.
Who would have thought that on August 7, 2024, a few grams could break the hearts of billions of Indians waiting for Vinesh to bring home the gold?
Born on August 25, 1994, Vinesh Phogat comes from a family of wrestlers. She was trained by her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, who also coached Indian wrestlers Geeta Phogat, Babita Kumari, Sangeeta Phogat, Priyanka Phogat, and MMA Fighter Ritu Phogat.
Vinesh has won multiple championships throughout her wrestling career. Despite facing numerous obstacles, she managed to carve out her identity and achieve victories around the globe.
The Paris 2024 Olympics began with great triumph and enthusiasm for Vinesh. She defeated the reigning Olympic and world champion, Yui Susaki, who hadn’t conceded a single point to any opponent in the Tokyo Olympics and became the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, this joy soon turned into her worst nightmare when she was disqualified on the day of her final.
On the morning of her final, it was discovered that Vinesh was 100 grams overweight. The rules didn’t allow this, leading to her disqualification from the games. Not only was she denied a shot at the gold, but she was also stripped of the silver medal she had secured by defeating Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba in the semifinals.
On Tuesday morning, Vinesh weighed 49.90 kg, well within her 50 kg weight limit. Unfortunately, her weight rebounded to 52.7 kg after she replenished her body following three intense fights that day. She spent the entire night skipping, cycling, jogging, and doing every bit of cardio to slim down. She even donated blood and cut her hair to fit into her weight category. Upon hearing this, Vinesh was left devastated and was taken to the polyclinic inside the Olympic Games due to severe dehydration earlier in the day. There, she was met by PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, who assured her of the complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the government of India, and the entire country. However, Vinesh’s wound was too deep to heal, and the following day, she announced her retirement from wrestling.
Vinesh had lost weight to compete in the 50 kg category, having previously taken part in the 53 kg category.
Vinesh and the IOA had appealed to the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports) against the disqualification from the final, hoping to allow her to fight for gold, but their appeal was rejected.
The entire nation stands with Vinesh and is immensely proud of her achievements.
Vinesh Phogat’s road to the Paris 2024 Olympics will be remembered not only for the sadness but also for the unwavering courage she displayed in the face of insurmountable obstacles. Her endurance, even in the dying minutes, shows the spirit of a great champion. While she did not receive the medal this time, Vinesh’s legacy remains intact. She continues to inspire millions, showing that true victory is found not only on the podium but also in the bravery to fight through adversity. The world may remember Vinesh’s medals, but India will remember her heart, spirit and undying enthusiasm.
