Vinesh Phogat Announces Retirement from Wrestling

New Delhi- Vinesh Phogat has announced her retirement from wrestling after she was disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to a weight limit violation.

In a statement on Thursday, the Indian Olympic Association said Phogat had been physically and medically fine but was disqualified from competing for the gold medal against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt due to a breach of the weight limit.

"After hearing the news that Vinesh Phogat is disqualified, I am shocked and disappointed," the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha said in a statement. "I had come here to meet Vinesh; she is physically and medically okay. Mentally, she is disappointed. Our support staff is with her, trying their best to help her reduce weight."

Phogat, who had advanced to the final round in the semi-finals, said she was disappointed after the disqualification.

"MaaKushti won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness," she said in a post on X.

Phogat has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her disqualification from the final. In her appeal, Phogat has requested that she be awarded the silver medal. The decision is awaited on Thursday.