'We Did Not Give Up, But Time Wasn't Right': Vinesh Phogat Shares Her Struggles During Olympic Setback

Vinesh Phogat has finally spoken about her disqualification from the women's 50kg final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The wrestler had made history as the first Indian woman to reach a wrestling event final at the Olympics. However, on August 7, she was found to be 100 over the weight limit and was disqualified. She and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) sought a joint silver medal through the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but their appeal was denied

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From August 7 until August 15, Vinesh remained silent about her ordeal. On Friday, she broke her silence with a heartfelt three-page post on X. In her post, Vinesh explained why the Paris Olympics held significant importance for her. "During the wrestlers protest I was fighting hard to protect the sanctity of women in India, the sanctity and values of our Indian flag," she wrote.

Vinesh's Emotional Post

She continued by expressing how images of her with the Indian flag from May 28, 2023, still haunt her. "It was my wish to have the Indian flag fly high this Olympics, to have a picture of the Indian flag with me that truly represents its value and restores its sanctity," Vinesh added. She believed that achieving this would correct what both the flag and wrestling had endured.

Vinesh also mentioned that neither she nor her team surrendered to their circumstances. "There is so much more to say and so much more to tell but words will never be enough and maybe I will speak again when the time feels right," she stated. Reflecting on August 6 and 7, she said, "We did not give up, our efforts did not stop, and we did not surrender but the clock stopped and the time was not fair."

Future Uncertainties

"So was my fate," Vinesh lamented. Addressing her team, fellow Indians, and family, she expressed feelings of incompleteness regarding their goals. "It feels like the goal that we were working towards and what we had planned to achieve is unfinished," she wrote. She pondered whether things might always feel incomplete or different.

Despite these setbacks, Vinesh remains hopeful about continuing her journey in wrestling. "Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032 because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there," she shared. Although uncertain about what lies ahead, Vinesh affirmed her commitment to fighting for what she believes is right.

The emotional post has resonated with many fans who continue to support Vinesh in her journey. Her determination and resilience serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes across India.