Vinesh Phogat makes dramatic U-turn, withdraws retirement, announces comeback for 2028 Olympics
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, December 12, 2025: In a major development, India’s star wrestler and Julana MLA Vinesh Phogat has reversed her decision to retire from wrestling. Months after announcing her exit following the heartbreaking episode at the Paris Olympics, Vinesh has now revealed that she is returning to competitive sport.
In an emotional post shared on X and Instagram, Vinesh said she will begin preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, adding that her passion for wrestling remains as strong as ever and she hopes to win a medal for India.
Reflecting on the months after the Paris debacle, Vinesh wrote, “People often ask me if Paris was my last trip? For a long time, I didn’t have an answer. I needed to get away from the mat, the pressure and the expectations. For the first time in years, I breathed a sigh of relief.”
She added that during this silence she realised that “the fire inside never goes out — it was only buried under the noise.” She said discipline and struggle are in her blood, and they continue to fuel her return.
Vinesh also revealed a deeply personal motivation behind her comeback. She said her young son would be accompanying her on this journey towards Los Angeles, calling him her “biggest inspiration” and her “little cheerleader.” She added that she is now stepping forward with renewed courage and a never-give-up attitude.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Vinesh had delivered a remarkable performance and reached the final. But in a shocking turn of events, she was disqualified just hours before the gold-medal bout for being 100 grams overweight. Heartbroken, she announced her retirement soon after. Her appeal against the decision was later rejected.