Sakshee Malikkh Laments Vinesh Phogat's Retirement, Calling it as a 'Defeat for the Entire Nation'

The star Indian wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, has announced her retirement from wrestling. This decision came after her disqualification from the women's 50 kg freestyle event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite reaching the final and being guaranteed a medal, her Olympic ambitions were dashed when she went over the weight restriction by 100g during the final weigh-in. Vinesh announced her choice to quit the sport on Thursday, August 8, 2024, using the platform 'X'. Vinesh Phogat wrote: 

"Ma Kusti (Wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage has been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024,"

Her disqualification was a key turning point in her career. Vinesh achieved history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal round in the Paris Olympics. This was not the first time that she made the nation proud. She also made history at the Asian Games in 2018, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to win a gold medal. However, on August 7, 2024, she was disqualified for being overweight before her final match against American Sarah Hildebrandt.

Also Read: The Inspiring Journey of Vinesh Phogat: From Humble Beginnings to a National Hero

Sakshee Malikkh salutes Vinesh Phogat and calls her retirement a nation’s loss

Rio Olympics 2016 medallist Sakshee Malikkh lauded Vinesh Phogat for her tenacity and will following her announcement of retirement from wrestling. Malikkh said she supported Vinesh, saying this setback was a loss for the whole country as opposed only a personal loss.

Vinesh Phogat retired one day following her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final held at the Paris Olympics. Sakshee wrote on X: 

"Vinesh, you did not lose, every daughter for whom you fought and won has lost. This is the defeat of the whole country of India. The country is with you. Salute to his struggle and passion as a player,"

Vinesh Phogat, after being disqualified, has appealed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to be granted the silver medal for the event. As of now, the latest update from the event stands that American Sarah Hildebrandt won the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.