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Heartbreak for India: Vinesh Phogat disqualified for being slightly overweight before Olympics final

Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event on Tuesday night.

PTI

Published Aug 07, 2024 | 12:32 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 07, 2024 | 7:29 PM

Vinesh Phogat's appeal against Olympic disqualification rejected

Vinesh Phogat. (X)

In a shocking turn of events, Vinesh Phogat was on Wednesday, 7 August, disqualified from the Olympics for being found overweight ahead of her women’s 50 kg final in Paris.

Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event on Tuesday night.

“She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified,” said an Indian coach.

The Indian Olympic Association later confirmed the development and requested privacy for the wrestler, who was competing in her third Olympics.

“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning,” the IOA stated.

“No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” it added.

She had taken down defending champion Yui Susaki en route to the finals on Tuesday.

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Vinesh will always be champion, say political leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu described the setback as painful but said Phogat is a champion among champions for the more than 1.4 billion people of India and the nation’s pride.

In a statement in the Lok Sabha, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Indian Olympic Association lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW) over Phogat’s disqualification and Prime Minister Modi has asked IOA chief P T Usha to take “appropriate action”.

Leaders of several parties, including the Congress, demanded accountability be fixed and the decision leading to her disqualification be reviewed.

On X, Modi said, “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.”

“Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on,” he said. “Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” Modi said.

President Murmu said, “While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people.” Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and done the country proud, she said on X.

The Congress urged the government and the IOA to make all efforts to appeal against Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics, with party leader Rahul Gandhi expressing confidence that she will come back stronger to the wrestling arena. She is India’s pride, the party said.

“She went through a lot. From protesting at the footpath for justice to reaching the pinnacle podium of the Olympics,” he said, referring to Phogat being at the forefront of a lengthy protest alleging government inaction against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.

Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, hoped the IOA would strongly challenge this decision.

“Vinesh is not one to give up, we are confident that she will come back stronger to the wrestling arena. You have always made the country proud Vinesh,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said Vinesh won the hearts of everyone and she inspired millions of Indian daughters.

“Vinesh, you are a true champion in ‘every’ sense. Your resilience, strength, and remarkable journey to the finals have inspired millions of Indian daughters. Disqualification over a few grams cannot diminish your spirit and achievements. Though you missed a medal, you have won the hearts of everyone with your incredible determination,” he said in a post on X.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the nation was sure that she would overcome the hurdle and return stronger.

“Vinesh, your incredible resilience and bravery have shone through even in the toughest times. We know you will overcome this setback and come back stronger. You are already a champion in our hearts,” he wrote on X.

(With PTI inputs)

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