Heartfelt Farewell: Dharmendra Honors Vinesh Phogat After Emotional Retirement

Legendary Bollywood actor Dharmendra has conveyed deep sorrow and admiration for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat following her unexpected retirement from the sport. Phogat, who was disqualified from the final of the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics, announced her retirement in an emotional statement, marking the end of an illustrious career. Dharmendra, in a heartfelt message, referred to Phogat as a “brave, adventurous daughter” of India, highlighting her courage and dedication to wrestling.

Dharmendra’s Touching Message

Dharmendra took to Instagram to express his feelings, sharing a photo of Vinesh Phogat along with a heartfelt note. His message reflected the nation’s collective sentiment and admiration for the wrestler’s achievements:

“Darling daughter Vinesh, we are extremely sad to hear the news. You are a brave, adventurous daughter of the soil. We love you and always pray for your health and happiness. Be happy, healthy, and strong for your family and your loving people.”

This message resonates deeply with Phogat’s supporters, who have followed her journey as one of India’s most successful female wrestlers. Dharmendra’s tribute captures the essence of Phogat’s resilience and the pride she brought to her country.

The Emotional Retirement of Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat, a decorated wrestler with numerous accolades, announced her retirement early Thursday morning, following her disqualification from the final bout at the Paris Olympics. In a moving post on X (formerly Twitter), Phogat expressed her heartbreak and exhaustion:

“Maa kushti (wrestling) 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.”

Phogat’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. She secured a place in the gold medal match by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals, showcasing her skill and determination. However, her hopes of winning the gold were dashed when she was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit, a rule violation that prevented her from competing against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the final.

Shock and Support from the Sports Community

The news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and subsequent retirement sent shockwaves through the Indian sports community. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), expressed her shock and disappointment at the development. Usha confirmed that while Phogat is physically fine, she is mentally devastated by the disqualification. The support staff has been actively working to help her cope with the situation, ensuring she has the emotional and psychological support she needs during this difficult time.

Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent, revealed that Phogat exceeded the weight limit by 2.7 kg after her semi-final bout. Efforts were made to reduce her weight by restricting her food and water intake, but unfortunately, the measures were not enough to prevent her disqualification.

Phogat also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following her disqualification, requesting that she be awarded the silver medal. This appeal highlights the determination and spirit that has defined her career.

Vinesh Phogat’s Legacy in Indian Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of wrestlers. Throughout her career, she has secured numerous titles and medals, including two World Championships bronze medals (2019 and 2022), an Asian Games gold (2018), and three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022). Her achievements also include a gold medal at the 2021 Asian Championships, as well as silver and bronze medals at the continental level.

As Phogat steps away from the sport, she does so with the admiration and respect of her fans and peers. Her contributions to Indian wrestling have been monumental, and her legacy will continue to inspire young athletes across the nation. Dharmendra’s tribute, along with the outpouring of support from the sports community, underscores the profound impact Vinesh Phogat has had on Indian sports.