'The Nation is Proud Of You!': Internet Erupts Following Vinesh Phogat's Retirement Announcement

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. She quit the sport following her disqualification from the women's 50 kg freestyle event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she reached the final and was assured a medal, but in the aftermath, the Olympic dream shattered. She announced her choice on the social media network 'X,' formerly known as Twitter.

“Mother wrestling won the match against me, I lost. Forgive me. Your dream, my courage is all broken, I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness”

Internet erupts following Vinesh Phogat's retirement announcement from wrestling

Following Vinesh Phogat's announcement of her retirement from wrestling, fans were left heartbroken. Many felt that this was far too soon for her to leave, many begged her to stay strong in such trying circumstances, hence here are some of the responses. The Internet was wrecked. 

Vinesh Phogat After Suffering Painful Elimination at Paris Olympics

"It's part of the game," a brave Vinesh Phogat told the Indian coaches who met her after her shock disqualification from the Paris Olympics for weighing 100g more than the permissible limit in the women's 50kg category here on Wednesday. Women's national coach Virender Dahiya and Manjeet Rani met the feisty wrestler, who had caused a flutter at the wrestling arena by beating world number one and defending champion Yui Susaki in the opening round on Tuesday. As the nation prepared to celebrate Vinesh's medal-winning run -- she was assured of at-least a silver -- Vinesh was disqualified when she could not ace the second weigh-in.

"It sent a shockwave through the wrestling contingent. The girls were feeling pretty low after the news broke. We met Vinesh and tried to console her. She was brave. She told us, 'it's hard luck that we missed the medal, but it is part of the game'," Dahiya said, sharing the details of their meeting.

"Several IOA officials were also there to meet her." There was more bad news for Indian wrestling during the day when Antim Panghal made a first round exit in the women's 53kg, losing her opening bout by technical superiority.

"She just could not play her game, did not look in her element," said the coach. 

(With inputs from PTI)