India’s trailblazing wrestler Vinesh Phogat has officially reignited her Olympic journey, announcing her return to competitive wrestling after an 18-month hiatus.
The 31-year-old Olympian, driven by an “enduring passion” for the sport, made the declaration on Friday, December 12, confirming she is reversing her retirement decision. Phogat has set her sights firmly on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, aiming to achieve the coveted Olympic medal that has narrowly evaded her in three previous Games.
Her comeback is fortified by a profound personal shift: she recently became a mother and is dedicating her renewed pursuit of glory to her young son, whom she calls her “biggest motivation.”
Finding Truth in Reflection
Vinesh Phogat shared her decision in a powerful and deeply introspective post on Instagram, detailing the mental and emotional journey she undertook during her break from the mat. She admitted that the weight of the sport, external expectations, and personal ambitions had become overwhelming following the Paris Olympics controversy.
“For the first time in years, I allowed myself to breathe,” Vinesh wrote, describing how stepping away helped her confront the high points, heartbreaks, and sacrifices of the past decade. It was in this necessary silence that she rediscovered her core truth. “And somewhere in that reflection, I found the truth, I still love this sport. I still want to compete,” she confirmed.
The Paris Heartbreak
Phogat’s initial retirement was a direct consequence of a devastating incident at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympic final, a monumental feat secured by defeating three continental champions.
However, her dream was shattered just hours before the title match. During the mandatory morning weigh-in for the 50kg category, Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight. Under United World Wrestling (UWW) regulations, failing the weigh-in nullifies all previous results.
Her appeal to both the UWW and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was rejected, leaving her without a medal despite her historic performance.
New Motivation: Motherhood and LA 2028
Vinesh’s 18-month break has been marked by significant developments in her personal life. The Olympian, who won the Julana Assembly seat in 2024, welcomed a baby boy in July 2025. This new chapter has provided her with a fresh perspective and added motivation to return to the gruelling schedule of international competition.
“In that silence, I found something I’d forgotten, the fire never left. It was only buried under exhaustion and noise,” she wrote. She declared that her son is now an integral part of her team. “My son is joining my team, my little cheerleader on this road to the LA Olympics,” she stated, aiming to complete her career by achieving the medal that slipped away.
A Career Defined by Turbulence
Vinesh Phogat’s career has been a rollercoaster of phenomenal triumphs and gut-wrenching setbacks. She is highly decorated, with gold medals at the Asian Games (2018) and three consecutive Commonwealth Games (2014, 2018, 2022), alongside two World Championships bronze medals.
Yet, her Olympic history has been marred by misfortune: an injury forced her withdrawal at Rio 2016 and she suffered a shock early exit at Tokyo 2021 despite being the world number one.
With her comeback confirmed and her focus sharpened on the LA 2028 Games, Phogat is now setting out to complete a journey that has been consistently tested by unfortunate circumstances, promising to return with a spirit that “refuses to bow.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Vinesh Phogat’s return to the mat is more than just a sports announcement; it is a powerful story of resilience, self-discovery, and the refusal to let heartbreak define a career.
Her decision to come out of retirement and set her sights on the LA 2028 Olympics, especially after becoming a mother, is deeply inspiring and sends a strong message about the enduring spirit of an athlete.
Her acknowledgment that the “fire never left” highlights the essential role of passion and mental health in elite sports, urging us to look beyond immediate results. Vinesh’s journey now embodies the hope of redemption.
