Vinesh Phogat said that she would not have announced her retirement shortly after being disqualified from Paris 2024 Olympics and could have continued till 2032 “under different circumstances” in a long post on social media.
Vinesh was disqualified from competing in the 50kg women’s freestyle wrestling final as she failed to make weight on the day of the gold medal bout. Her appeal, asking for a joint-silver medal, was dismissed by Court of Arbitration for Sport on Wednesday.
“Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there. I can’t predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing,” said the 29-year-old.
Dr Pardiwala, who headed the 13-member medical staff to help the Indian contingent in Paris, was subjected to criticism for Vinesh ending up 100gms more than the 50kg limit.
“For me, and I think for many other Indian athletes, he is not just a doctor but an angel in disguise sent by god. When I had stopped believing in myself after facing injuries, it was his belief, work and faith in me that got me back on my feet again,” Vinesh wrote.
“He has operated on me not once but thrice (both knees and one elbow) and has shown me how resilient the human body can be. His dedication, kindness and honesty towards his work and towards Indian sports is something no one will doubt including God. I’m forever grateful to him and his entire team for their work and dedication.”
Vinesh won two World Championship medals with the With Belgian coach Akos.
“Anything I write about him will always be less. In the world of Women’s Wrestling, I have found him to be the best coach, best guide and best human, able to handle any situation with his calmness, patience and confidence,” Vinesh wrote.
“He does not have the word impossible in his dictionary and he is always ready with a plan whenever we face a tough situation on or off the mat. There were times when I doubted myself, and was shifting away from my internal focus and he would know exactly what to say and how to bring me back on my path.” Vinesh said that Akos was never hungry to take credit for her success but she wants to give him the recognition he deserves.
(With inputs from PTI)
Comments
SHARE