Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat stated in a recent social media post that she would not have announced her retirement soon after being disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics and might have continued competing until 2032.
Vinesh was disqualified from the 50kg women’s freestyle wrestling final for failing to make weight on the day of the gold medal match. After which she announced her retirement from wrestling. Also, her appeal for a joint silver medal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday.
Talking about the heartbreak, Vinesh said, ” There is so much more to say, but words will never be enough. On the night of 6th August and the morning of 7th August, all I want to say is that we did not give up, our efforts did not stop, and we did not surrender, but time was not fair, and fate was not on our side.”
“To my team, my fellow Indians, and my family, it feels like our goal remains unfinished, that something is missing, and that things may never be the same. Perhaps under different circumstances, I could have continued playing till 2032, but I cannot predict the future. What I do know is that I will continue to fight for what I believe in and for what is right.” She added.
Vinesh on OGQ team
Talking about the Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) team, Vinesh said, “led by Viren Rasquinha, Yatin Bhatkar, and others, has been a pillar of support for me and many other athletes. Their unwavering backing, especially during the most difficult times, has been crucial in helping me overcome the challenges I faced.” Meeting Gagan Narang and experiencing the genuine efforts of the Olympic team support staff was a revelation. Their empathy and dedication during high-pressure situations at the Games Village were exactly what we needed to succeed.
Fighting for the sanctity of women and the Indian flag
Talking about her days during the wrestlers protest, she said, “During the wrestlers’ protest, I fought hard to protect the sanctity of women in India and the values of our Indian flag. But the images of me with the flag on 28th May 2023 haunt me. My wish was to see the Indian flag fly high at the Olympics, a true representation of its value and sanctity.”
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