New Delhi (India), August 8 (ANI): Legendary Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh has praised wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who retired from the sport after her disqualification in the women’s 50kg final at the ongoing Paris Olympics.

Phogat had announced her retirement from wrestling after being disqualified in the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics on Thursday.

Appearing on X, Harbhajan called Vinesh as “Bharat ki Beti” and tweeted, “Bharat ki Beti. Tribute to the legend @Phogat_Vinesh.” Olympic medal-winning wrestler Bajrang Punia also tweeted that Vinesh will be a winner and a “pride” for the country no matter what.

Another Olympic wrestling medallist, Sakshi Malik, said Vinesh’s loss was the loss of every daughter she “fought for and won”. She also saluted her “struggle and passion”.

“Vinesh, you didn’t lose, every girl you fought for and won for lost. This is the defeat of the entire country of India. The country is with you. Salute to your struggle and passion as an actress @Phogat_Vinesh,” Sakshi tweeted.

Vinesh shared her decision in an emotional post on X on Thursday morning.

“Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and mine are broken. I have no more strength left. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be grateful to you all for forgiving me,” Phogat said in her post.

Phogat advanced to the gold medal fight by defeating Cuban Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinals on Tuesday night.

She was due to compete with Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal but was disqualified on Wednesday for exceeding the weight limit.

Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed shock and disappointment over Phogat’s disqualification. She confirmed that Phogat was in good physical and medical condition but was disappointed. Usha stated that the support staff was actively working to help Phogat manage her weight.

“I was shocked and disappointed after hearing the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. I had come here to meet Vinesh; she is physically and medically fine. She is mentally disappointed. Our support team is with her, doing everything they can to help her lose weight,” said PT Usha.

Earlier, Chief Medical Officer of India’s Olympic quota, Dinshaw Pardiwala, had revealed that Phogat had crossed the weight limit by 2.7 kg after the semi-final match. He also added that efforts were being made to reduce her weight by restricting her food and water intake.

Phogat also appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following her disqualification on Wednesday.

According to IOA sources, Phogat requested CAS to award her a silver medal.

In a stellar career, Vinesh has won two World Championship bronze medals (2019 and 2022), an Asian Games gold medal (2018) and bronze medal (2014) and three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022). She also won a gold medal at the Asian Championships in 2021 and a silver and bronze medal at the continental level as well. (ANI)