 "Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 grams. PTI")
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi offered words of encouragement and support to Vinesh Phogat after the Indian wrestler was disqualified from the Paris Olympics hours before her gold medal match. Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle event due to being overweight by 100 grams at the time of weigh-in.
Phogat will be forced to return home without a medal despite being assured of at least a silver by reaching the final.
Explained: How are athletes weighted at the Olympics?
On Tuesday she became the first female wrestler from the country to qualify for a final at the Olympics . On her way to the final, Vinesh defeated reigning Olympic champion and unbeaten Yui Susaki from Japan.
“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 also confirmed the developed with a statement.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg 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.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsAs per the rule, any wrestler found overweight at the time of weigh-in will finish at the bottom of the final standings.
PM Modi made a post on X, offering support to Vinesh, who led the protests against former BJP MP and Ex-Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.
“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,” he posted on X.
“At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” he added.
Rahul Gandhi said that Vinesh’s disqualification was unfortunate and he was hopeful the IOA will strongly challenge that decision.
“It is unfortunate that Vinesh Phogat, India’s pride, who reached the finals after defeating world champion wrestlers, was disqualified on technical grounds.
“We have full hope that the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country.
“Vinesh is not one to give up, we are confident that she will come back stronger in the arena.
“You have always made the country proud Vinesh. Even today the whole country stands with you as your strength.”
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav made a demand for a thorough investigation into the “technical reasons” for Phogat’s disqualification.
“There should be a thorough investigation into the technical reasons behind Vinesh Phogat not being able to take part in the final and the truth and the real reason behind it should come to the fore,” Yadav said in a post in Hindi on X.
Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu also lent support to Vinesh on X, calling her a “champion”.
“Dear @Phogat_Vinesh, you will always be a champion in our eyes. I was deeply hoping you could win the gold. The little time I spent with you at PDCSE was watching a woman with a superhuman will fight to get better. It was inspiring. I am here for you always, sending all the universe’s positivity your way.”
Here are some other reactions.
A per latest information, Vinesh was 2kgs overweight overnight and tried multiple things including exercise, cutting her hair and sauna bath to lose the weight. Currently she is in a polyclinic inside the Paris Games village due to severe dehydration.