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@Paris Olympics 2024
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most prominent wrestlers, has been in the news recently due to a significant controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Phogat was disqualified from the gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event because she was found to be overweight by just 100 grams during the weigh-in. This disqualification has sparked a major debate and led to her appealing the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Vinesh’s appeal to CAS is not just about her disqualification but also about her demand to be awarded a joint silver medal, arguing that she reached the final through fair competition. As of the latest updates, CAS has accepted her plea, and a decision is expected soon. This situation has deeply affected Phogat, leading her to announce her retirement from wrestling, stating that she no longer has the strength to continue after this heartbreaking turn of events.
Her career has been marked by significant achievements, including being the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. The ongoing situation has also prompted messages of support from various figures, urging her to reconsider her retirement.
Vinesh Phogat Background
Vinesh Phogat has established herself as one of India’s most successful female wrestlers, hailing from the famous Phogat wrestling family. Born on August 25, 1994, in Haryana, Vinesh is the cousin of the Phogat sisters, who have been trailblazers in Indian wrestling. Trained by her uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, Vinesh quickly rose through the ranks to become a formidable force in the sport.
Vinesh Phogat Records
Her early achievements include winning a gold medal at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in the 48kg category, which marked her as a rising star in Indian wrestling. She continued her success by clinching another gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, this time in the 50kg category. In the same year, she also won gold at the Asian Games in Jakarta, becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to do so.
Vinesh’s Olympic journey began at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she was a strong contender for a medal. However, her campaign was cut short due to a severe knee injury during her quarterfinal bout, which sidelined her for months. Despite this setback, she made a strong comeback, earning multiple medals at international events and securing her qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she reached the quarterfinals.
Human Rights Advocate
In addition to her competitive achievements, Vinesh has been a vocal advocate for the rights and recognition of female athletes in India, often speaking out on issues of gender equality in sports. Her resilience and fighting spirit have made her an inspiration for many young athletes in the country.
Vinesh’s career has been a testament to her dedication and skill, but it has also been marked by challenges, including injuries and the recent controversy at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her legacy in Indian wrestling is significant, and her impact on the sport will be felt for years to come.