Vinesh Phogat, devastated after failing to secure a medal at the Paris Olympics due to a failed weigh-in, has announced her retirement from wrestling and entered politics by joining the Congress party. Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams over her 50kg weight category, which led to her elimination from the Games just before her gold-medal match. She was later hospitalized due to dehydration caused by efforts to make weight.
Phogat also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a joint silver medal, but her request was dismissed. Reflecting on her experience, Vinesh accused the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president, PT Usha, of exploiting her for political gain.
PT Usha had visited Vinesh in the hospital and a photo of the visit was posted on social media, which Vinesh claims was used as a publicity stunt. “One photo was clicked without my notice, and then posted on social media saying they are standing with me,” she said in a recent interview. “That’s not how you show support. It felt like pure posturing.”
Vinesh expressed her disappointment, saying that politics played a role in her heartbreak in Paris, which contributed to her decision to leave wrestling. “People are asking why I’m retiring. For what should I continue? There’s politics everywhere,” she added.
Phogat, a multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallist, criticized the way her situation was handled, suggesting that her struggles were used for political motives rather than genuine support.