Vinesh Phogat Awarded Gold Medal by Haryana Panchayat on Her Birthday
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On Sunday, August 25, India wrestler Vinesh Phogat celebrated her birthday by receiving a gold medal from the Sarvkhap Panchayat in Haryana. Notably, Vinesh made history at the Olympics in Paris by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to go to the finals.
Sadly, her idyllic voyage came to an abrupt end when, the morning of her gold medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA, she was disqualified for weighing 100g over than the event’s permitted 50 kilogram weight limit. After the first day, Phogat gained 2.8 kg of weight, which she fought hard all night to lose. Regretfully, the 30-year-old was just 100 grams above the limit.
She was sadly disqualified, but when she returned to India, she was greeted with enthusiasm and celebrated in her village. Sarvkhap Panchayat bestowed upon her a unique gold medal as an additional mark of honor on her birthday.
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Phogat recalled being disqualified from the Olympics and how it grieved her, but she also felt lucky to have had such a kind reception upon her return home.
“My battle has only just begun; it hasn’t concluded yet. We have only just begun to battle for the honor of our girls. When we were sit-in, we all stated the same thing. I felt really terrible not to be able to play in Paris, but now that I’m back in India and have felt so much love and support, I realize how blessed I am. This honor is above any award, and I will always be grateful for it,” she remarked.
CAS denied the request of Vinesh Phogat
Phogat also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the rulings of United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) following his disqualification in the Olympics. But after a week-long hearing, the CAS dismissed her request, proving that her efforts were in vain.
The wrestler has declared her retirement from international competition following her devastating disqualification. Before leaving, Phogat sent a lengthy letter to her followers on social media, expressing her feelings.
