Bajrang Punia's bold claim following Vinesh Phogat's retirement from Wrestling

On Thursday, celebrated Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat shocked the sporting world by announcing her retirement from wrestling. This announcement came on the heels of her disqualification from the gold medal bout at the Paris Olympic Games. Vinesh was disqualified after her weight exceeded the 50kg limit by 100 grams during the post-bout weigh-in. The disqualification marked a dramatic end to what was expected to be a historic event for the athlete.

Bajrang Punia Speaks Out

In the wake of Vinesh’s retirement, fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia took to social media to express his support and dismay. He claimed that Vinesh's defeat was not due to her performance but rather due to external factors. Taking it to his X handle, Bajrang posted, "Vinesh aap haari nahi, haraya gaya hai" (you were not beaten but made to face defeat).

विनेश आप हारी नही हराया गया हैं, हमारे लिए सदैव आप विजेता ही रहेगी आप भारत की बेटी के साथ साथ भारत का अभिमान भी हो 🫡😭 https://t.co/oRTCPWw6tj

— Bajrang Punia 🇮🇳 (@BajrangPunia) August 8, 2024

He expressed that despite the setback, Vinesh remains a hero in the eyes of India. His comments hint at potential foul play and controversy surrounding the weight discrepancy.

The post from Punia came after Vinesh Phogat on Thursday bid ‘Good Bye’ to wrestling with an emotional note.
Vinesh Phogat, in a poignant social media post, declared, "Mother wrestling won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream, my courage is all broken, I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness." Her announcement came just a day after she appealed against her disqualification at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal.

माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।

अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏

आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024

UWW’s Stand

The international governing body for wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW), has stated that it will not alter the current weigh-in regulations. Vinesh Phogat had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category. Prior to the disqualification, she was guaranteed at least a silver medal.