ThePrint ThePrintAM: Why has Vinesh Phogat announced her return to wrestling?
Dec 13, 2025
Vinesh Phogat's announcement to return to wrestling for the 2028 Olympics sparks a discussion about her journey since the Paris 2024 disqualification. The emotional weight of stepping back after heartbreak and her protest against the Wrestling Federation are highlighted. Her unexpected entry into politics and recent motherhood reveal new motivations. Vinesh's rediscovery of her love for the sport offers a powerful narrative of resilience and determination in the face of challenges.
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Walkaway After Paris Heartbreak
- Vinesh Phogat walked away from wrestling after being disqualified for being 100 grams overweight before her Paris Olympic final.
- She had faced institutional turmoil including protests at Jantar Mantar and public confrontations with authorities before Paris.
Rules Erased Her Olympic Run
- Disqualification not only cost Vinesh the final but erased all her Olympic results under United World Wrestling rules.
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed her appeal for a joint silver, deepening the sense of injustice.
From Mat To Legislature
- Days after the CAS verdict, Vinesh retired from wrestling and joined the Congress party, contesting state elections.
- She won the Julana assembly seat in Haryana in October 2024, transitioning from sport to politics successfully.