New Delhi: Almost two weeks after she was left heartbroken at the Paris Olympics 2024, Vinesh Phogat celebrated her 30th birthday with her fellow wrestlers in Jhajjar in Haryana on Sunday. Vinesh, who became the first Indian woman to enter an Olympics final, was disqualified on the day of her women’s 50kg gold medal match after being found overweight by 100 grams. She immediately appealed at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) for atleast a silver medal, considering she was within the weight limit on her way to the final, but the sports court turned it down.
Overcoming what she went through in the last few days, Vinesh celebrated her birthday with a broad smile on her face. Aman Sehrawat, who won a bronze medal for India in the men’s 74kg category, was also present at the occasion.
#WATCH | Haryana: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat celebrated her birthday in Jhajjar pic.twitter.com/Ahzzn3oERh
— ANI (@ANI) August 25, 2024
Earlier on the day, both Vinesh and Aman were felicitated on their return to Jhajjar. “I am feeling good, my people are standing with me…Nothing is bigger than that…Who knows about the future…I don’t know what I will do in future…I am here today among my people, this is my medal…I am happy…,” Vinesh told ANI.
Following her disqualification, Vinesh announced his retirement from the sport. However, when asked about her future, the Indian grappler admitted she is still emotionally broken after what she went through. “I have come here for the first time…I am very happy that there are people who are supporting sports and promoting it,” she said.
“I am thinking (what to do in future)… No player wants to leave their sports, it is very difficult for everyone… I am emotionally broken because of what happened to me…I don’t know how I will cop up from it…My body is working but mentally I am broken. The day I will sit silently, will definitely decide what to do in the future…I am receiving a lot of love from the people. I used to think that I wanted the medal but now after seeing the love of the people, I feel nothing is bigger than that..,” she added.
