In a heartbreaking turn of events for India at the 2024 Paris Olympics, wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling category on Wednesday for exceeding the weight limit by just a few grams, moments after securing her spot in the gold medal bout.
Phogat had earlier celebrated a monumental victory by defeating World No.1 and Tokyo 2020 champion Yui Susaki of Japan, propelling her into the quarterfinals. There, she overcame Ukraine’s Oksana Livach with a 7-5 win to advance to the semi-finals. In the semi-finals, she triumphed over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, not only guaranteeing herself a medal but also making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at the Olympics.
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IOA regrets Phogat’s disqualification
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed deep regret over the disqualification, stating, “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. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time.”
The IOA also requested respect for Phogat’s privacy and urged everyone to focus on the ongoing competitions.
A PTI report, quoting an Indian coach, revealed that Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in. Phogat, who usually competes in the 53kg category, has encountered similar challenges in the past, including narrowly making weight during the Olympic qualifiers. Reports suggest she spent the previous night jogging and skipping in a last-ditch effort to shed the final grams but was ultimately unsuccessful.
India, which has so far secured three bronze medals, saw Phogat’s assured medal as a beacon of hope for a silver or gold. Her disqualification is a significant blow to the Indian contingent at the Olympics.
Nation reacts to Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification
‘Today’s setback hurts’
Reacting to the wrestler’s disqualification, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support, stating, “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts.”
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
PM Modi also spoke to IOA president PT Usha, seeking first-hand information on the issue and exploring options to support Vinesh. He encouraged PT Usha to file a strong protest regarding her disqualification if it could help Vinesh.
‘Champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people’
President Droupadi Murmu said that wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s “extraordinary feats” at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and made the country proud.
“Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and made the country proud. While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable spirit of Indian women, and her epic fortitude and resilience are already inspiring future world champions from India. I wish her many laurels in the future,” she said.
‘Vinesh will bounce back to be the winner she always is’
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his views on X, stating that the misfortune was merely an exception in Vinesh’s trailblazing career.
“Vinesh Phogat’s setback in the Olympics has certainly broken the hopes of millions of Indians. She has a brilliant sporting career, shining with the glory of defeating world champions. This misfortune is merely an exception in her trailblazing career, from which I am sure she will bounce back to be the winner she always is. Our best wishes and support are always with her,” Shah said.
‘Vinesh is not one to give up’
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hoped that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) would “strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country.”
“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,” Gandhi wrote in an X post.
'India's Daughter'
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla shared his sentiments, saying, “Totally heartbroken by the news of Vinesh Phogat being disqualified. I cannot imagine how painful and difficult it might be for her. Can only say that everyone stands with India's Daughter [nation’s daughter].”
‘Vinesh has won our hearts’
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also commended Vinesh’s achievements, expressing deep disappointment over her disqualification.
“Vinesh’s triumph up to this point has been hugely impressive. She has shown courage, ability and a tremendous amount of determination…For me, she has won our hearts. I am very disappointed with this news about her technical disqualification. I don’t know how such a thing could have happened, whether our coaches were found wanting in terms of ensuring all the rights rules and limits to adhere to. To me, the sad thing is that all her efforts did not get the reward that she deserved,” he said.
‘True champion’
Former India Olympians Abhinav Bindra said that he is ‘completely gutted’ after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the gold medal fight at the Paris Games.
“Completely gutted. Sometimes you dont need a gold medal to be a true champion to people,” Bindra said.
First Published: Aug 07 2024 | 1:37 PM IS