Phogat announced her decision to end her career on X (formerly Twitter) Thursday, just a day after being disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final. In her post, translated from Hindi, she said, "My courage is all broken, I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001~2024."
The 29-year-old, who had become the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final, was disqualified for being just 150 grams over the weight limit.
Although a competitor who withdraws from the final typically receives a silver medal, Phogat's disqualification meant she received nothing. According to the regulations of the World Wrestling Federation, Phogat's ranking remains at the bottom.
Instead of Phogat, Cuba's Yusneylis Guzmán advanced to the final. Phogat had advanced to the final with a convincing 5-0 victory over Guzmán in the semifinals.
Initially competing in the 53 kg category, Phogat moved down to the 50 kg weight class for the final.
Phogat had reportedly refrained from eating and drinking to make weight, and she exerted herself through running and cycling throughout the night. However, she suffered severe dehydration, leading to her hospitalization.
Phogat is the real-life protagonist of the 2016 film "Dangal," which depicts her rise as a female wrestler in a society rife with gender discrimination.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.