Vinesh Phogat hints at a possible U-turn from retirement

Indian wrestler shared a lengthy post on social media, which hinted that she might continue playing the sport.

Vinesh Phogat shone bright with her sporting talent at the Paris Olympics 2024. After CAS rejected her appeal for a shared silver, she has now posted a lengthy post on social media. She had reached the final of the women’s 50kg wrestling event but was disqualified as she was 100 grams overweight. Hence, she appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for getting a shared silver medal; however, it was rejected.

Vinesh Phogat hints at a U-turn from early retirement.

Vinesh Phogat shared a long post two days after the CAS dismissed her appeal for a shared silver medal. In her post, she said that she would not have announced her retirement from the sport after being disqualified at the Games ahead of her final event at the Paris Olympics 2024 and could have continued until 2032 “under different circumstances.”

Vinesh’s length and heartfelt post on social media.

She remembered her wrestling journey and how her father’s dreams and mother’s struggles made her resilient. She thanked them and her husband, Somvir, for their unwavering support. She also expressed gratitude toward her support staff, including Dinshaw Padiwalla, IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer at the Paris Olympics. She said, “Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032 because the fight and wrestling in me will always be there. I can’t predict what the future holds for me and what awaits me in this journey next, but I am sure that I will always continue to fight for what I believe in and for the right thing.”

Exploring further legal options, IOA stands in solidarity with Vinesh.

IOA said it is “committed to ensuring Vinesh’s case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public.”