Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Addresses Lok Sabha on Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification from Paris Olympics

Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, addressed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday regarding the disqualification of Indian ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics. In his address, Mandaviya sought to clarify the government’s role in supporting Phogat’s preparation for the Olympic Games.

Government Assistance to Vinesh Phogat

Mandaviya emphasized that the government had extended all possible assistance and training to Phogat. He detailed the comprehensive support provided, which included personal staff and substantial financial backing. Despite this, the Opposition expressed dissatisfaction and staged a walkout from Parliament.

Reasons for Disqualification

Mandaviya explained the circumstances leading to Phogat’s disqualification. “Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was 100 grams overweight, which led to her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh was competing in the 50 kg category. To compete her weight had to be exactly 50 kg,” he stated.

United World Wrestling Rules

Elaborating on the rules set by United World Wrestling (UWW), Mandaviya said, “As per UWW rules, players’ weights are measured every morning of the competition. Article 11 states that if any player does not participate in the weigh-in or fails to meet the weight requirements, they are disqualified and placed in the last spot without a rank.”

He further mentioned the specifics of the weigh-in: “On August 7, the weigh-in for the 50 kg women’s wrestling category took place between 7:15 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. (Paris time). Vinesh’s weight was recorded at 50.1 kg, making her ineligible for the competition.”

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Prime Minister’s Involvement

Mandaviya highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had intervened by speaking with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha. “The Indian Olympic Association has expressed strong disagreement with the International Olympic Committee regarding this issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with IOA President PT Usha, who is in Paris, and has asked her to take necessary actions,” Mandaviya reported.

Vinesh Phogat’s Achievements

Mandaviya praised Phogat’s accomplishments, recounting her victories leading up to the disqualification. “Vinesh won three matches on Tuesday, August 6, becoming the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic finals. She defeated Cuba’s Guzman Lopez Yusneylis in the semi-finals, Ukraine’s Livach Oksana in the quarter-finals, and world-champion Japanese wrestler Susaki Yui in the pre-quarterfinals by a score of 3-2. She was set to compete against American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on August 7,” he noted.

Detailed Support Provided

The Sports Minister elaborated on the support extended by the government: “The Indian government has provided all necessary assistance to Vinesh Phogat. Personal staff, including notable Hungarian coach Woller Akos and physio Ashwini Jiwan Patil, were assigned to her.”

He also detailed the financial aid provided: “Additionally, financial assistance for other personal staff, including sparring partners and strength and conditioning experts, was provided. She received a total of ₹ 17,45,775 in financial assistance for the Paris Olympics.”

Opposition’s Response

Despite Mandaviya’s detailed account, the Opposition remained unconvinced. Opposition MPs began shouting slogans and critiquing the government’s handling of the issue, pointing to past instances of government conduct with wrestlers. However, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla did not permit them to speak further on the matter.

Ultimately, the dissatisfaction led members of Congress, SP, and Trinamool, along with many other MPs, to walk out of Parliament, signaling their disagreement with the Sports Minister’s statement.

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