Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in women’s wrestling, has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to exceeding the weight limit for her 50 kg category by just 100 grams. This disqualification means that she will not be eligible to compete for the silver medal, leaving only the gold and bronze medals in her category.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has expressed deep regret over this outcome. They acknowledged the significant efforts made to ensure Phogat met the weight requirements, but despite these efforts, she was slightly over the limit during the official weigh-in. The IOA has requested privacy for Phogat and indicated that no further comments will be made at this time.
According to reports, Phogat had successfully met the weight requirement for her bouts on Tuesday. However, she faced difficulties maintaining this weight limit on subsequent days of competition. Sources reveal that despite a grueling night of jogging, skipping, and cycling to shed the excess weight, Phogat was unable to lose the final 100 grams. The Indian team’s appeal for additional time to meet the weight criteria was denied, leading to her disqualification.
Vinesh Phogat’s dedication and resilience throughout her career have been a source of great pride and inspiration for many in India. This setback is certainly disappointing, but her unwavering spirit and determination are expected to drive her to come back even stronger in future competitions.
In response to the disheartening news, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his support to Vinesh Phogat. He said, “Vinesh, you are a true champion and a source of immense pride for our nation! Your dedication and resilience have always shone brightly, inspiring countless individuals across India. Today’s setback is disheartening, and it’s difficult to express the depth of disappointment we all feel. Yet, I have unwavering faith in your strength and perseverance. You have faced challenges head-on throughout your career, and this will be no different. Come back stronger than ever! We are all cheering for you.”
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 Narendra Modi also reportedly called with IOA President PT Usha to get firsthand knowledge about the situation and India’s choices. This information was reported by ANI, citing sources. It is also alleged that he instructed her to look into every possibility to support Vinesh’s case. In addition, he asked PT Usha to lodge a robust complaint against her disqualification if doing so will benefit Vinesh.
In addition, National spokesperson of Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) also expressed his diappointmemt at Phogat’s qualification. He took to his Twitter handle and stated, “This is a very sad news that no one could defeat the daughter of the country in the arena but she has been defeated in the arena of conspiracy. A medal of the country has become a victim of politics today. This country can never forget this day.”
यह एक बेहद दुखद खबर है की देश की बेटी को कोई अखाड़े के मैदान में नहीं हरा पाया लेकिन साजिश के अखाड़े में हरा दिया गया है देश का एक मेडल आज राजनीति का शिकार हो गया यह देश इस दिन को कभी नहीं भूल सकता। @Phogat_Vinesh@PMOIndia @ANI @OlympicKhel pic.twitter.com/aDseBnqZMq
— Rakesh Tikait (@RakeshTikaitBKU) August 7, 2024
Phogat’s dedication and achievements have garnered significant admiration, and this latest setback has only intensified the nation’s support for her.
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