• Source:JND
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India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling a day after her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat was on Wednesday barred from playing further ahead of her crucial gold medal match as her weight was found 100-150 grams above the permissible limit.

The wrestler announced her retirement in a profound message on her official X handle. “Mother wrestling won the match against me and I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage are all broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness,” Phogat posted on X.

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Phogat advanced to the gold medal bout by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night. However, she was disqualified on Wednesday for breaching the weight limit, preventing her from competing against the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal.

However, Vinesh Phogat has appealed against her disqualification in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). As per sources, cited by news agency ANI, the wrestler has requested the CAS to give her a silver medal. The verdict is likely to be delivered by today.

"Vinesh Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her disqualification, asking for the silver medal. CAS will give its verdict tomorrow morning," the news agency quoted its source as saying.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his anguish over the tragic disqualification of Vinesh Phogat. He, however, hailed her as India's pride and an inspiration for everyone.

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PM Modi spoke with IOA President PT Usha, seeking first-hand information about the situation and the options available for India following Vinesh's setback. He urged Usha to explore all possible avenues to support Vinesh's case and encouraged her to file a strong protest regarding the disqualification if it would benefit Vinesh, according to sources quoted by ANI.