Paris Olympics fiasco: Sanjay Singh urges Vinesh Phogat to make rational decision over retirement

Paris Olympics fiasco: Sanjay Singh urges Vinesh Phogat to make rational decision over retirement

New Delhi: Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has asked Vinesh Phogat to take a second thought against her decision to retire from the sport following the Paris Olympics heartbreak. On Thursday, Vinesh announced retirement from her X handle (formerly known as Twitter) a day after she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle event due to overweight (100-150 grams).

After a tremendous start with three wins on the bounce, including an upset against four-time world champion Yui Susaki of Japan, Vinesh confirmed a medal when she reached the final on Tuesday. In a turning fate, the 29-year-old was found to gain excessive weight (50.1kg) beyond the permissible 50kg.

Seemingly distressed by losing the medal, Vinesh decided to quit the sport after being on the mat for close to two decades. However, WFI chief Sanjay Singh has requested the two-time world champion to not take an emotional decision and take her time to recover from the setback.

“I got to know about her retirement through social media and I am also shocked to learn she decided to retire on her own,” Sanjay Singh told news agency PTI.

“So I would urge her on behalf of the Wrestling Federation of India to not make decisions in a sad state of mind and make a rational decision once she has recovered from the debacle mentally. We will also talk to her,” he added.

A look at Vinesh Phogat’s major achievements

Coming from the legendary Phogat family renowned to produce champion wrestlers to the country, Vinesh lived up to the expectations to liken the stature of Geeta Phogat and Babita Phogat. Vinesh has won a total of eight medals at the Asian Championships, including a gold medal at the Almaty edition.

She won gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta in the 50kg category after a thumping 6-2 win over Japan’s Yuki Irie. The Haryana grappler won two gold medals in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Gold Coast. She also won two bronze medals in the Word Wrestling Championships. An Olympic medal was eluding from her cabinet and she had almost booked it before her fate turned upside down.

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 Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has asked Vinesh Phogat to take a second thought against her decision to retire from the sport following the Paris Olympics heartbreak.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today