In Pictures: Vinesh Phogat's first social media post after missing out on medal at Paris Olympics 2024
Vinesh Phogat was heartbroken after her campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024 ended in tears. After having a chance to bag India’s first gold medal in wrestling in the history of the showpiece event, Vinesh had to return empty-handed. She recently posted on social media for the first time since her disqualification ahead of the women's freestyle 50kg final.
After missing out on a podium finish in Rio and Tokyo, Vinesh gave herself a genuine chance to etch her name in the history of Indian wrestling once and for all. However, luck did not favor her. On the morning of her gold medal match, Vinesh was found overweight by 100 grams, leading to her disqualification.
On Wednesday (August 14), the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) declined Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to grant her a joint silver medal. A day later, the 29-year-old wrestler shared a picture in which she can be seen lying on the ground, with her hands covering her face.
"We will welcome Vinesh Phogat like a gold medallist" - Mahavir Phogat
After the CAS denied Vinesh a joint silver medal, her uncle Mahavir Phogat said they would give the Indian wrestler a grand reception on her return. He also talked about trying to convince Vinesh Phogat to consider participating at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
“We were hopeful that the verdict will be in our favour but there is no scope for anything after the verdict given by the CAS. When Vinesh returns on the 17th, we will all welcome her like a gold medallist. We will try to persuade her to prepare for the 2028 Olympics. We will also prepare Sangeeta Phogat and Ritu Phogat for the 2028 Olympics," Mahavir said (via The Hindu).
In Paris, Vinesh Phogat became the first Indian woman to qualify for an Olympic final in wrestling. After her disqualification, she announced her retirement, saying she did not have any more strength left to continue.
She made a fairytale start to her campaign by beating defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan, who had an 82-0 record before facing Vinesh. The Indian wrestler also dominated her quarterfinal and semi-final clashes but met an unfortunate ending.