Balai (Haryana), Aug 08: We will convince her to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. She is still young and can aim for the 2028 Games.
When majority of Indian sports lovers are shattered after wrestler Vinesh Phogat was declared disqualified for being 100 grams more weight in 50-kg category women's freestyle wrestling prior to her Gold medal fight, and her subsequent retirement decision, Dronacharya Awardee coach Mahavir Singh Phogat said Vinesh might have taken the decision in the heat of the moment.
He added that people close to Vinesh would encourage her to aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Mahavir said, "It is true, people lose heart. When she will come, we will all sit and talk. We will take a decision and convey it. In the heat of the moment, people take such decisions but after some time, we will decide on it," he said.
Sharing his commitment for wrestling, he further stated, "We will encourage her to play 2028 Olympics. I thank the Haryana Government for announcing the reward. As long as I am active, I will be helping the athletes."
But there was more support pouring in for Vinesh. Former sports minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore called the turn of events as "sad and heart breaking" and expressed solidarity with the ace wrestler.
Mahavir Singh Phogat's eldest daughter Geeta, who won Gold in 2010 Commonwealth Games said it was "very sad" to see the way Vinesh retired from the sport.
She stated in her X, "Sister Vinesh, we will always be we will always be indebted to you for what you have done for the country. Your passion and struggle will be remembered for centuries. You are a role model for all girls. You saying goodbye to wrestling like this is very sad for the whole family and the whole country."
Remind you Geeta Phogat, her younger sister Babita are cousin sisters of Vinesh. They all have been trained by Mahavir Singh Phogat at their early part of career.
Now with Mahavir Sinh, Geeta and others rallying behind Vinesh and urging her to change her retirement decision is a welcome step for Indian wresting.
