Credits: X
Mahavir Phogat, uncle of star wrestler Vinesh Phogat and father of Geeta and Babita Phogat, opened up on Vinesh’s retirement following her Paris Olympics 2024 disqualification. Mahavir said that there’s no conspiracy behind his niece’s disqualification from the quadrennial tournament. Mahavir, who happens to be a former wrestler himself, added that the Olympics body has its own rules and the disqualification took place as per their rule book.
Notably, the 29-year-old announced her retirement from wrestling after she was disqualified on the day of her gold medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024. On the day of the second weigh-in, Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit. Dejected by what happened, Phogat announced her decision and said that she doesn’t have anymore strength left in her. Reacting to Vinesh’s decision, her uncle, Mahavir Singh said that she will make 100 more wrestlers who will win Olympic medals for India.
Mahavir told ANI, I think the court could give her respite but it's hard. When she will return, we all, me, Bajrang Punia and others will motivate her for upcoming 2028 Olympics. In 2016, she could not win Olympics due to injury, in 2020 and 2024, she was in pressure due to protests against the federation (Wrestling Federation of India) and Brij Bhushan Singh.”
He added, "In future, I will talk with Sangeeta, my younger daughter, to prepare for Olympics. I will make 100 Vinesh Phogats who will be winning medals in Olympics.”
Aap haari nahi, haraya gaya hai: Bajrang Punia reacts to Vinesh Phogat’s retirement decision
Indian wrestler and Olympian Bajrang Punia reacted to Vinesh Phogat’s decision of calling it quits. He took an indirect dig at authorities and said that she didn’t lose but was made to face the defeat. Punia wrote on X, “Vinesh aap haari nahi, haraya gaya hai (You didn’t lose, but were made to face defeat). Humare liye sadaiv aap vijeta hi rahengi, aap bharat ki beti ke saath bharat ka abhimaan ho. (For us, you will always be a winner. You are not only India’s daughter but also India’s pride)
