Geeta Phogat has posted an emotional note for her sister Vinesh Phogat after the latter announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday, August 8. Vinesh bid adieu to the sport after her heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 7.
The elder of the two and a celebrated wrestler herself, Geeta Phogat took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express her feelings. In a heartfelt post, the 2010 Commonwealth Games gold medallist shared that Vinesh retiring from wrestling was sad and unfortunate. She called her sister a 'role model' for all girls.
"Sister we will always be indebted to you for what you have done for the country. Your passion and struggles will be remembered for centuries. You are a role model for all girls. Your saying goodbye to wrestling like this is very sad for the whole family and the whole country," Geeta wrote.
Vinesh and Geeta belong to a family that has played an extensive role in India's wrestling history. A total of six sisters, the 'Phogat sisters' are each renowned for their respective feats in the world of wrestling. Geeta Phogat is the eldest of them all.
Along with her family, the entire nation has rallied behind Vinesh after she was not permitted to compete in the women's 50kg gold medal match in Paris. She had announced her retirement in a post on social media.
Vinesh Phogat's Paris Olympics 2024 dream ends on a sour note
The last few days have been a roller coaster for Vinesh Phogat. Just as she began dreaming of an Olympic gold, her dream came crashing down.
The Indian wrestler was disqualified from competing in her women's 50kg final against USA's Sarah Hildebrandt in Paris. The reason was that she exceeded the stipulated weight requirement by 100 grams.
Not only did Vinesh Phogat lose out on a potential gold, but the 29-year-old also had to end her campaign medalless. What started as a quest for a podium finish ended in an unceremonious retirement for the wrestler.