Vinesh Phogat Hints At Possible Return To Mat

LAfter a tearful retirement announcement following her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics on August 7, Vinesh Phogat has offered a glimmer of hope to her fans by hinting at a possible return to wrestling.

The 29-year-old wrestler faced a devastating blow when she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight just before her gold-medal match. Heartbroken, Vinesh announced her retirement the next day, posting an emotional message on social media. “Ma, Wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is broken,” she wrote. In her post, Vinesh expressed that she no longer had the strength to continue, bidding farewell to the sport that had defined her life since 2001.

Adding to her disappointment, the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed her appeal for a joint silver medal, deepening her sorrow. However, upon returning to India from Paris on Saturday, Vinesh was met with an overwhelming show of support and love from her fans. The adulation was so intense that it took her over 12 hours to travel to her village, Balali, in Haryana’s Charkhi Dadri district, as people lined up along the highway to welcome her.

This outpouring of support seems to have rekindled some hope in Vinesh, who suggested that she might not be done with wrestling after all. While no concrete plans have been announced, her comments have sparked excitement among her fans, who are eager to see her back on the mat.

Vinesh’s potential return would be a welcome development for Indian wrestling, as she remains one of the country’s most accomplished athletes, with multiple international medals to her name.

After returning to India yesterday, in a moving message, Vinesh shared the deep personal struggles and inspirations that shaped her career, hinting at the resilience that may fuel her return to wrestling.

Vinesh began by recalling her humble beginnings, growing up in a small village with simple dreams of long hair and a mobile phone. Her father, a bus driver, had grander visions, telling her that one day she would soar high above him in a plane. Although young Vinesh laughed at the thought, his words left a lasting impression on her. The sudden loss of her father, followed by her mother’s battle with stage 3 cancer, forced Vinesh and her siblings to grow up quickly, putting aside their childhood dreams to support their ailing mother.

The hardships of life, however, only made Vinesh stronger. She credited her mother’s unwavering courage and determination as the driving force behind her own tenacity. Vinesh emphasized the role her husband, Somvir, played in her life, describing him as her soulmate and unwavering support system, always putting her journey ahead of his own. His sacrifice and loyalty provided the strength she needed to face each day on and off the mat.

Vinesh also expressed profound gratitude towards her support team, including Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Dr. Wayne Patrick Lombard, her coach Woller Akos, and her physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil. Each played a critical role in her recovery and success, embodying dedication and selflessness.

As Vinesh reflected on her past, the love and support she received from her fans and team reignited a spark of hope, leaving open the possibility that her wrestling journey may not yet be over.