After which she was disqualified for being 100 grams above the weight class, Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman wrestler to make it to the gold medal bout, retired from the Paris Olympics. Despite understanding why she made this decision, his uncle; Mahavir Phogat, an Indian wrestling legend hopes he can convince her after she returns home to take part in 2028 Los Angeles Olympic games.
In relation to Vinesh’s situation, Mahavir Phogat who is a major figure in India’s wrestling remarked; “She would have won Gold for us this time but got disqualified. It is natural that such a setback will be hurtful and therefore she arrived at such a conclusion.” “On returning home we will discuss with her about participating in the 2028 Olympics,” he said.
Vinesh Phogat will receive same honor and rewards as given to an Olympic silver medalist by Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini despite her disqualification. According to Parami News, Mahavir was quote saying “It is a good step and I support this. He has accepted that she has silver medal. I thank Haryana government for this; if there are such cases with other athletes it will encourage them.”
CM Saini posted a message of support for Vinesh on X social media platform last Thursday. Saini added that ‘All respect/rewards/facilities that State Government extends towards Olympic Silver Medalists shall also be graciously extend towards Phogat.’ While commending her efforts, he declared: “Our fearless daughter of Haryana Vinesh Phogat performed brilliantly and made it to finals of Olympics. She could not play final match of Olympics due some reasons but she is champion of all of us.”
Further still Mahavir maintained his commitment as coach and solicited assistance for aspiring female wrestlers among them Anshu, Antim Panghal, Reetika Hooda, and Nisha Dahiya. “I will never leave coaching as long as I am alive,” he said thus indicating his commitment towards development of young wrestlers.
The Phogat family is hopeful that she can return to the mat for the 2028 Olympics when they believe she will achieve even more.
