In a dramatic and emotional turn of events, Indian wrestling icon Vinesh Phogat has reversed her retirement decision and confirmed that she will return to competitive wrestling with her sights firmly set
on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 29-year-old star made the announcement through a deeply personal and reflective social media post on Friday (December 12), marking her first public communication about her future since the heartbreak of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Vinesh had stunned the nation earlier when she announced her retirement moments after being disqualified from the 50kg freestyle final in Paris for being 100 grams overweight-a decision that denied her a historic Olympic medal and left fans across the country devastated.
Although she would have secured at least a silver even in defeat, the disqualification abruptly ended her dream run after she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
Months after distancing herself from the mat, Vinesh has now revealed that her competitive fire never truly faded.
"The fire never left": Vinesh opens up about her emotional journey
In her heartfelt announcement on social media, Vinesh explained the turmoil she faced since Paris and why she finally chose to return:
"People kept asking if Paris was the end. For a long time, I didn't have the answer. I needed to step away from the mat, from the pressure, from the expectations, even from my own ambitions. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to breathe. "
Reflecting on months filled with introspection, she wrote: "I took time to understand the weight of my journey-the highs, the heartbreaks, the sacrifices, the versions of me the world never saw. And somewhere in that reflection, I found the truth: I still love this sport. I still want to compete. "
Vinesh, who is an elected MLA from Hayana's Julana assembly, said the break allowed her to reconnect with the passion that drove her career: "In that silence, I found something I had forgotten - the fire never left. It was only buried under exhaustion and noise. The discipline, the routine, the fight. it's in my system. "
The wrestler, who became a mother this year, also revealed that her comeback has a new source of motivation: "So here I am, stepping back towards LA28 with a heart that's unafraid and a spirit that refuses to bow. And this time, I'm not walking alone - my son is joining my team, my biggest motivation, my little cheerleader. "
- Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) December 12, 2025
WFI President welcomes comeback, reminds Vinesh of rules
While the wrestling community celebrated her decision to return, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) issued a measured but welcoming response.
WFI President Sanjay Singh, speaking to ANI, said the federation was happy to see Vinesh reconsider her retirement but emphasised that her return must follow established protocols.
Singh said, "The entire Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) welcomes Vinesh Phogat for coming out of her retirement. But her comeback will be as per the rules and regulations of the Wrestling Federation of India. "
Singh also clarified that Vinesh will not be eligible for the upcoming wrestling league, and said, "She did not apply for the League. The deadline has already expired. Three hundred athletes from across the world have applied for it. She must have something in her mind regarding her comeback. "
His comments suggest that while the WFI is supportive, Vinesh will have to re-enter the system strictly through qualification pathways and selection trials.
A champion's legacy continues
Vinesh Phogat's career is already among the most decorated in Indian wrestling history. Her achievements include:
- 2 World Championships bronze medals (2019, 2022)
- Asian Games gold (2018) and bronze (2014)
- 3 Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022)
- Asian Championships gold (2021), along with silver and bronze
Her return sets the stage for one of sport's most compelling comeback stories - an athlete rising from heartbreak, defying setbacks, and preparing for one final Olympic chapter. With LA 2028 now her new destination, Indian wrestling will look eagerly toward the next steps in her journey.
