Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s Paris Olympics journey concluded on a disappointing note when she was disqualified from the mega event right ahead of her gold medal clash. A prominent figure in the wrestling arena, with accolades including two World Championship bronze medals, three Commonwealth Games golds, and multiple Asian Games and Asian Championship medals, her career seemed destined for a grand finale.
Vinesh Phogat’s Bitter End
However, circumstances forced her hand. With Antim Panghal occupying her usual weight category, Phogat had to compete in the 50kg division, securing a spot at the Paris Olympics. Her opening match pitted her against the formidable Yui Susaki, the undefeated defending champion since 2010. Susaki’s dominance, highlighted by a flawless Tokyo 2020 campaign, made her a formidable opponent.
A Dramatic Turnaround and Heartbreak
Faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge, trailing 0-2 with mere seconds remaining, Vinesh Phogat staged a remarkable comeback, securing a thrilling 3-2 victory. Overwhelmed by the dramatic win, she was reduced to tears, struggling to comprehend the magnitude of her achievement. Subsequently, she defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals and cruised to victory against Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman in the semifinals.
However, fate intervened cruelly. Weighing in 100 grams over the limit for the final, Phogat was disqualified. The shock was palpable. An immediate appeal was filed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking a joint silver medal, coinciding with Phogat’s retirement announcement. This dramatic turn of events stands in stark contrast to her involvement in protests against former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Singh the previous year.
Vinesh Phogat’s gold medal match was anticipated as a platform to silence her critics. Unfortunately, the outcome was far from ideal. Former shooter and Beijing 2008 gold medalist Abhinav Bindra shared his insights on the potential outcome of the CAS verdict.
