Vinesh Phogat, a promising athlete representing India in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, faced disqualification due to exceeding the weight limit by a mere few grams.
Olympics 2024: At the Olympics, India’s wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced a heartbreaking setback on Wednesday. Despite qualifying for the gold medal bout in the 50kg freestyle wrestling, she was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by a few grams.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) stated that “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 Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand”.
Vinesh Phogat, the talented Indian wrestler, delivered a stunning performance at the Olympics. She made headlines by defeating the World No.1 and Tokyo 2020 champion, Yui Susaki of Japan, securing her place in the quarterfinals.
In a thrilling match, Vinesh faced off against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals, ultimately triumphing with a score of 7-5, thus earning a spot in the semifinals. In the subsequent match, she displayed remarkable skill, overcoming Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, not only securing a medal but also etching her name in history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at the Olympics.
As per Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh, who is unable to compete, will be substituted by the wrestler who was defeated by her in the semifinals. Consequently, Guzman Lopez Yusneylis of Cuban will be stepping in to compete in the final match. Additionally, the Repechage match between SUSAKI Yui of Japan and LIVACH Oksana of Ukraine will decide the recipient of the Bronze Medal.
After winning her semi-final match, Vinesh was observed skipping in an effort to shed 2kg. She adopted various methods, such as jogging, skipping, cycling, and taking sauna baths, in her pursuit to achieve her weight loss goal. In a drastic attempt, she deprived herself of sleep and food on Tuesday night, hoping to tip the scales at under 50kg. Additionally, Vinesh went to extreme measures, including cutting her hair and attempting to draw out blood, but was unable to shed the final 100 grams.
Phogat has struggled before with making the weight in the 50 kg category, which is lower than the 53 kg weight class where she typically competes. This was not the first time she faced this challenge; she also experienced a similar struggle during the Olympic qualifiers, narrowly meeting the weight requirement.
PT Usha on Vinesh Phogat disqualification
Indian Olympic Association released a video in which the President of the IOA PT Usha shows her disappoint on this situation.
PM Modi’s Statement
On platform X PM Modi twitted:
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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with PT Usha to obtain firsthand information about the situation and to discuss the available options for India in light of Vinesh’s setback. Modi requested PT Usha to thoroughly explore all possible options to support Vinesh’s case. Additionally, he urged PT Usha to consider lodging a strong protest against Vinesh’s disqualification if it could positively impact her situation.
A number of Indian athletes, politicians, and actors are rallying behind Vinesh Phogat, expressing their solidarity and dismay over this decision.
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