New Delhi— Star wrestler Vinesh Phogat has announced her return to the sport, declaring that she will prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after months of stepping away from wrestling. The 31-year-old said the “fire never left” her, despite the heartbreak and exhaustion that followed her disqualification at the Paris Games.
Vinesh had stunned the nation last year when she retired after being ruled 100 grams overweight ahead of the 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics. Her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a shared silver medal was rejected, prompting her exit from wrestling and her entry into politics. She was later elected MLA from Julana in Haryana.
In an emotional message shared on social media, Vinesh said she needed distance from expectations and pressures to understand her journey. She described the time away as essential for healing and rediscovering her love for the sport.
She wrote that she found clarity while reflecting on her struggles, achievements, and personal sacrifices. The turning point, she said, was realising that her passion for wrestling had never faded but was only buried under “exhaustion and noise”.
The wrestler, who welcomed a baby boy with husband Somvir Rathee in July, said her comeback will be powered by renewed motivation. She added that stepping back into training with her son by her side would be her biggest inspiration.
Vinesh remains one of India’s most accomplished wrestlers, having made history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic gold-medal bout. A three-time Olympian, she has also won gold at both the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
