Mahavir Phogat Urges Vinesh to Compete in 2028 Olympics

Following the announcement of her retirement from wrestling, Indian wrestling legend Mahavir Phogat has expressed his understanding of Vinesh Phogat’s decision, which came after her disqualification from the 50 kg category final at the Paris Olympics. He also stated that the family will try to convince her to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics once she returns home.

Retirement Announcement

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, announced her retirement on Thursday after being disqualified from the 50 kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics. She shared her emotional decision on social media, stating, “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.”

Mahavir Phogat’s Response

Mahavir Phogat, Vinesh’s uncle and coach, empathized with her decision. “She was going to bring the Olympic gold this time but got disqualified. It is natural to feel hurt after such a setback and hence she arrived at this decision. Once she is back home, we will try talking to her about competing in the 2028 Olympics.”

Support from Haryana Chief Minister

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s decision to honor Vinesh as an Olympic medalist was lauded by Mahavir Phogat. “It is a good initiative by the CM. He has accepted the fact that she has got the silver medal. It is a good step and I support this. I thank the Haryana government, it will encourage other athletes if such things ever happen to them.”

Nayab Saini stated that Phogat would be welcomed and felicitated like an Olympic medal winner, ensuring she receives all the respect, rewards, and facilities that are given to Olympic silver medalists. “Our brave daughter of Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, performed brilliantly and entered the finals of the Olympics. Due to some reasons, she may not have been able to play the final of the Olympics but she is a champion for all of us,” he wrote on X.

Ongoing Support and Future Plans

Mahavir Phogat reiterated his commitment to coaching and encouraged the families and supporters of other Olympic-qualified women wrestlers, like Anshu, Antim Panghal, Reetika Hooda, and Nisha Dahiya, to prepare them for the 2028 Olympics.

Details of Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 2.7 kg after her semi-final bout, as revealed by Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent. Efforts to reduce her weight by restricting food and water intake were unsuccessful.

Appeal to CAS

Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to award her the silver medal following her disqualification. “Vinesh Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her disqualification, asking for the silver medal. CAS will give its verdict tomorrow morning,” an IOA source disclosed.

Vinesh Phogat’s Achievements

Vinesh Phogat’s illustrious career includes two World Championships bronze medals (2019 and 2022), an Asian Games gold (2018) and bronze (2014), three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022), and a gold medal in the 2021 Asian Championships, among other accolades.