Vinesh Phogat Discharged from Hospital, Appears Frail in Viral Photo with Abhinav Bindra
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/8th August 2024
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been discharged from a Paris hospital, where she was treated for dehydration issues that arose before her 50kg women’s freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat’s health crisis, which involved falling unconscious while attempting to lose weight for the competition, garnered significant attention and concern. Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra, who met Phogat upon her discharge, shared a photo of their meeting, highlighting Phogat’s visibly weakened state with swollen eyes.
Phogat’s struggle with dehydration occurred during her intense preparations for the final, and the medical care she received was crucial in stabilizing her condition. The photograph with Bindra quickly went viral, with many users expressing sympathy and concern over her frail appearance.
In a dramatic turn of events, Phogat, a three-time Olympian and celebrated wrestler, announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday morning. In a heartfelt message to her mother, Premlata, Phogat expressed her disillusionment with the sport, saying, “Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I shall be indebted to you all. Forgive (me).” Her announcement marks the end of an illustrious career that has seen her win medals at multiple international championships, including the World Wrestling Championships.
Phogat’s retirement announcement came on the heels of her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding her disqualification from the Olympics. Seeking a reversal of the decision, Phogat has requested to be awarded a joint silver medal. The ad-hoc CAS division, which handles disputes during the Olympics, is expected to review her appeal in the near future.
The disqualification has been a significant blow to Phogat, who has been a prominent figure in wrestling and a source of inspiration for many. Her announcement of retirement reflects the emotional and physical toll the recent events have taken on her. The wrestling community and her fans are rallying around her during this challenging time, hoping for a favorable resolution to her appeal.
As Phogat steps away from the sport, her legacy as a formidable athlete and her contributions to Indian wrestling will be remembered. Her journey has been marked by both triumphs and trials, and her recent struggles highlight the intense pressures and challenges faced by elite athletes.
