India woke up to another shock on Thursday after a heartbroken Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, prompting an outpouring of support from the sporting community.
The 29-year-old, who was disqualified for being 100gm overweight ahead of her 50kg category gold medal bout in the Olympics on Wednesday, announced her decision to retire on social media, saying she doesn't have the strength to continue anymore.
India's Tokyo Olympics bronze medal winner Bajrang Punia led the tributes for Vinesh, saying she did not lose yet she has been defeated.
"Vinesh, you did not lose... you have been defeated. For us, you will always be a winner. You are not only the daughter of India but the nation's pride as well," he tweeted in Hindi.
Sakshi Malik, the first Indian female wrestler to win an Olympics medal -- a bronze medal at 2016 Rio de Janeiro -- said all that has transpired with Vinesh is a "defeat of every daughter of our country".
"Vinesh you were not the one who lost. It's the defeat of every daughter of our country for whom you fought," Sakshi said on X.
"This is a defeat for entire country. The country is with you. As an athlete I salute your struggle and passion," she said.
Dronacharya Awardee coach Mahavir Phogat said she might have taken the decision in the heat of the moment and people close to the wrestler would encourage her to aim for the 2028
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