'She's tired of this system': Tharoor as Vinesh Phogat retires
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said on Thursday that wrestler Vinesh Phogat is "tired of fighting" after she announced her retirement. "This girl is tired of this system...This girl is tired of fighting," Tharoor wrote on X. Phogat announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday morning, a day after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 for being overweight. The 29-year-old was poised to become the nation's first female wrestler to clinch at least a silver medal at the games.
Phogat's disqualification and retirement spark reactions
Tharoor's party colleague, Gaurav Gogoi, also expressed his support for Phogat, stating that she "has not lost" and is a "symbol of strength and courage." Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her "a champion among champions" and urged her to "come back stronger." In a shock announcement, Phogat wrote on socail media, "Wrestling won the match against me. I lost... My courage is all broken, I don't have any strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be in your debt."
Phogat's retirement announcement: 'I don't have any strength now'
Despite her decision to retire, Indian wrestling legend Mahavir Phogat said he would try to convince his niece to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Phogat was scheduled to compete in the women's 50kg final against USA's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, who later won the gold medal. She usually competes in the 53kg category but moved down to the 50kg weight class for the Paris Olympic Games after the quota place in that division was secured by Antim Panghal.
