Vinesh Phogat of India fell just 100 grams short of Olympic glory in the Paris Games after a grueling weight-cutting process to meet her competition weight of 50kg. Despite her efforts, she was disqualified and replaced in the final by Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman. Phogat’s journey in Paris began with an upset victory over defending champion Yui Susaki, but ultimately ended in disappointment. She faced criticism for her extreme methods to make weight, including fasting, exercise, and time in the sauna. After her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, expressing her shattered dreams and gratitude for the support she received.
Indian athletes and authorities, including PM Narendra Modi, expressed their support for Phogat on social media following her disqualification. Abhinav Bindra, an Olympic gold medalist, called her a true champion despite not winning gold. Geeta Phogat, Vinesh’s sister and fellow wrestler, also showed her support for her sister. Despite the setback, Phogat was praised for her resilience and determination. The wrestling community rallied around Phogat, recognizing her as a symbol of Indian pride and inspiration. While Phogat may have fallen short at the Olympics, her legacy as a champion both on and off the mat remains intact.
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