New Delhi: India’s ace grappler Vinesh Phogat, who stood on the cusp of ultimate glory in the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has now been disqualified from the competition entirely. Vinesh, who was competing in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category, is out of the competition, having been weighed over the limit for her event.
Vinesh usually competes in the 53kg category but brought her weight down to 50kg for the Paris Olympics. On Day 2 of her weigh-in, however, Vinesh was found weighing over the desired limit, though by a small margin of about 100 grams. An appeal has already been filed by the Indian Olympic Association on the matter.
Vinesh reportedly tried to do all she could to come under the desired weight, be it skipping meals, or running. She didn’t sleep the entire night, hoping to fall under the weight category. The Indian officials also asked the Olympic Committee for more time but the efforts went in vain.
Earlier, Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in Olympic Games. But, fate had something else in store for her. The Indian coach revealed that Vinesh was found overweight by just 100gm on Wednesday morning. Though the margin was small, the rules do not allow for an exception to be made.
“She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified,” said an Indian coach.
As a result of Vinesh’s disqualification, she will not win any medal in the Paris Games. Though Vinesh was assured of a silver, her disqualification means that she would need to return home empty-handed.
PM Modi asks IOA to explore all options to appeal:
The news has broke the heart of millions of Indians, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to explore all options to appeal against the disqualification.
Reports though said that there is very little elbow room for negotiation in the case once an athlete has failed to meet the basic standards.
PM Modi personally spoke with IOA President PT Usha, seeking firsthand information on the matter and potential avenues for redressal. He instructed PT Usha to exhaust all options to support Phogat’s case, including filing a strong protest against the disqualification if necessary.
Vinesh Phogat, a renowned wrestler and Olympic medal hopeful, was considered a strong contender in the 50-kg category. Her disqualification has sparked widespread disappointment, but PM Modi’s prompt intervention has rekindled hopes for a reversal of the decision.
PM Modi also posted a tweet consoling the wrestler, calling her a champion among champions.
“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. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the Prime Minister said.
