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Neeraj Chopra, who won silver medal in men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, said that he felt ‘really sad’ for Vinesh Phogat and all she had to go through at the Games. read more
 "‘Felt really sad; God had something else in mind’")
Neeraj Chopra shared his reactions on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification after his men's javelin throw final. Reuters/PTI
Neeraj Chopra revealed that he hasn’t had a chance to speak to wrestler Vinesh Phogat so far, but hailed the Haryana wrestler for reaching the final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh, however, wasn’t able to take part in the 50kg freestyle final as she failed the weigh-in by 100 grams on the day of the bout. She has been disqualified from Paris 2024 with her appeal now pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Neeraj, who won silver in men’s javelin throw at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, said that he felt “really sad” for Vinesh and all she had to go through at the Games.
Paris Olympics: News, schedule, medals tally and more
“I haven’t spoken to Vinesh yet. But whatever she has done here, woh ek misaal hai (She has set an example by what she has achieved in Paris). To beat Yui Susaki is in itself such a big thing. And after that, whatever she has been through, I don’t understand the rules of wrestling that well. But, she was on her way confidently to gold. But then, this happened. I was having breakfast in the morning when I got to know this. Felt really, really sad,” Chopra told the media at the Olympics.
“Everyone knows how tough Vinesh’s journey has been. In 2016, to overcome such a dangerous injury, and then in 2020 have more injuries. She has been through so many personal setbacks. And for her to come back from that, recover from it, get herself to this position and be mentally strong from all that…it was going so well. Phir pata nahi, bhagwan ko kuch aur hi Manzoor tha (Then I don’t know, God had something else in mind).. But we know that whatever she has done, it is great.”
After the latest setback in her career, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday morning.
“Mother, wrestling beat me, I lost. Your dream and my courage are all broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be in your debt,” Vinesh wrote on X while making the announcement.
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English (US) ·