Mahavir?Phogat wants Vinesh to compete in 2028 Olympics, says 'will try talking to her'

Mahavir Phogat, the patriarch of the Phogat family, has expressed hopes that his niece Vinesh Phogat will compete for India in the 2028 London Olympics. The Dronacharya Award-winning wrestling coach said he was hopeful that the family would be able to convince Vinesh Phogat to reconsider her decision to retire from the sport.

CREDIT: PTI

Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from wrestling?

Vinesh had announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday, a day after her shocking disqualification ahead of the finals of the 50 kg women's wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The 29-year-old was disqualified on Wednesday after she failed to bring down her weight to 50 kg at the time of the weigh-in before the final.

Vinesh, who was reportedly around 52 kg on Tuesday, had managed to reduce the weight by nearly two kg but was disqualified as she was overweight by just 100 grams.

This robbed Vinesh of an assured medal in wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024, following which she made the impulsive announcement to retire.

Also read:?Vinesh Phogat announces retirement after Paris Olympics 2024 disqualification

CREDIT: PTI

'Family will talk to her'

Mahavir Phogat said that it was natural to arrive at this decision.

"She was going to bring the Olympic gold this time but got disqualified. It is natural to feel hurt after such a setback and hence she arrived at this decision. Once she is back home, we will try talking to her about competing in the 2028 Olympics," Mahavir told ANI.

Also read:?Who is US wrestler Jordan Burroughs who supported Vinesh Phogat after her disqualification

Bajrang, Sakshi pay tribute to Vinesh?

Fellow wrestlers also came out in support of Vinesh.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medal winner Bajrang Punia said Vinesh did not lose yet she has been defeated.

"Vinesh, you did not lose but yet you have been defeated. For us, you will always be a winner, and along with being India's daughter, you are India's pride as well,” he said on X.

Sakshi Malik, the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympic medal, said all that has transpired with Vinesh is a "defeat of every daughter of our country."

“Vinesh, you were not the one who lost. It's the defeat of every daughter of our country for whom you fought,” Sakshi wrote on X.

"This is a defeat for the entire country. The country is with you. As an athlete, I salute your struggle and passion," she said.

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