Star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is making a powerful return to the mat. On Friday, December 12th, the 31-year-old athlete announced that she has ended her retirement from professional wrestling, confirming she will once again pursue her Olympic aspirations.
Vinesh had stepped away from the sport following a deeply painful controversy at the recent Paris Olympics. She had reached the final bout, positioning herself to become the first Indian woman ever to compete for an Olympic wrestling gold medal.
However, her dreams were crushed on the morning of the title match when she was tragically disqualified for being 100 grams over the stipulated weight limit for her category.
The disqualification was a devastating blow that led Vinesh to step back and take an 18-month break from wrestling. During this time, the world wondered if her career had come to an end.
“I still want to compete”: Vinesh Phogat makes retirement U-turn, aims for 2028 LA Olympics
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Vinesh Phogat Comeback to Wrestling
In an emotional post shared on Instagram, Vinesh gave fans a glimpse into her period of reflection and decision making.
She shared that many people had questioned whether the Paris controversy marked the end of her journey. For a long time, she did not have an answer.
She explained that she needed to step away from the high pressure, public expectations, and even her own strong ambitions. This break allowed her to breathe and understand the weight of her experiences.
How Many Times Vinesh Phogat Played for India
Vinesh Phogat has represented India many times in major international competitions. She is a three time Olympian, having competed in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Olympic Games.
She has also won several medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Asian Championships, including multiple gold medals.
Her international career began with the 2013 Asian Championship, and she has consistently represented India at World Championships and other global events since then.
Vinesh Phogat Connection with Geeta and Babita Phogat Family
Yes, Vinesh Phogat is closely connected with Geeta and Babita Phogat. They are cousins from the well known Phogat wrestling family.
Vinesh’s father and the father of Geeta and Babita, Mahavir Singh Phogat, are brothers. Vinesh was also trained by Mahavir Singh Phogat, which strengthens their bond not only as family but also as part of a shared wrestling legacy.
Vinesh Phogat 2024 Farmers Protest
On 31 August 2024, Vinesh Phogat joined the farmers protest at the Shambhu border in Punjab, which had completed 200 days at the time.
She supported the demand for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price for all crops. During her address at the protest site, she expressed admiration for farmers and said she was proud to be born into a farmers family.
She was honoured with garlands by farmer union leaders. Speaking in support of the protest, she said that farmers across the country were suffering and their issues must be resolved.
She added that the determination of the farmers to continue their agitation for such a long period had inspired many others to stand for their own causes.
Vinesh Phogat Political Career
After the 2024 Olympics, Vinesh Phogat received a grand welcome in India, led by Congress leader Deepender Hooda. A roadshow was held from the IGI Airport in New Delhi to her village in Haryana.
She was later honoured by the Haryana Khap Panchayat, and many supporters encouraged her to enter politics.
On 4 September 2024, she met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia. On 6 September 2024, Vinesh joined the Congress after meeting party president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders.
On 8 October 2024, when election results were declared, Congress did not win the state, but Vinesh Phogat won her own seat, defeating BJP candidate Yogesh Kumar by more than six thousand votes.
