Vinesh Phogat Makes Comeback, Aims for 2028 Olympics Glory

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has officially announced her return to professional wrestling, setting her sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 31-year-old athlete had previously stepped away from the sport following a controversial disqualification at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she missed the weight limit by just 100 grams. This incident not only sparked outrage among fans but also raised significant concerns regarding her weight management and the protocols in place during the competition.

Vinesh’s Olympic journey has been fraught with challenges, including injuries and early exits. She withdrew from her debut at the 2016 Olympics due to a knee injury sustained in the quarterfinals. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, despite being the top-ranked wrestler in her category, she faced disappointment once again, being eliminated in the quarterfinals. The Paris Games, however, appeared to be a turning point, as Vinesh advanced to the finals in the women’s 50kg category, defeating several top competitors along the way.

After her disqualification in Paris, Vinesh took the matter to United World Wrestling (UWW), appealing against the decision based on claims of procedural errors. Unfortunately, her appeal was denied, confirming the disqualification. Unwilling to accept the ruling, she escalated the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), hoping for a potential reinstatement that would allow her to compete for the medal she had rightfully earned. Ultimately, CAS upheld UWW’s decision, denying her request and marking a significant setback in her career.

The emotional fallout from these events led Vinesh to announce her retirement shortly after the Paris Olympics, describing the experience as one of the most heartbreaking moments of her journey in sports.

In a recent and heartfelt post on Instagram, Vinesh expressed her passion for wrestling, proclaiming, “I still love this sport. I still want to compete.” Her commitment to the sport remains unwavering, and she is now determined to make her mark at the upcoming Olympics.

In addition to her athletic ambitions, Vinesh has embraced motherhood, welcoming a baby boy in July 2025. She shared that her son will be her “biggest motivation” as she prepares for the challenges ahead on the road to Los Angeles. As she embarks on this new chapter, Vinesh Phogat aims not only to return to the sport she loves but to reclaim her status as one of the world’s leading wrestlers.