.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
India wrestler Vinesh Phogat was honoured with gold medal by the Sarvkhap Panchayat in Haryana on her birthday on Sunday, August 25. Notably, Vinesh scripted history at Paris Olympics as she became the first woman wrestler from India to qualify for the Olympic finals.
However, her dream journey came to a tragic end as she was disqualified on the morning of her gold medal match against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, for being 100g heavier than the permissible 50 kg weight limit of the event. Phogat’s weight increased 2.8 kg after the first day and she worked hard all night to shed it. Unfortunately, the 30-year-old fell short of the limit by a mere 100 grams.
Despite her unfortunate disqualification, she received a rousing reception on her return to India and was felicitated in her hometown. She was further honoured on her birthday with a special gold medal by Sarvkhap Panchayat.
Recalling her Olympic disqualification, Phogat said that she was left devastated but felt fortunate after getting a rapturous welcome back home.
"My fight has not ended, it has rather just begun. The fight for our daughters' honour has just started. We said the same thing during our sit-in. When I could not play in Paris, I thought I was very unfortunate but after returning to India and experiencing all the love and support here, I feel that I am very fortunate. I will forever be indebted for this honour which is above any medal," she said.
After facing disqualification at the Olympics, Phogat also appealed against IOC (International Olympic Committee) and United World Wrestling (UWW)’S decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). However, her efforts ended in futility with the CAS dismissing her plea after a week-long hearing.
In the aftermath of her heartbreaking disqualification, the wrestler also announced her international retirement. Phogat penned a long note with her fans on her social media handles before her return and shared her emotions.
