In a major heartbreak for billions of Indian fans hoping for a Gold, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 for being overweight.
Vinesh, who was set to compete for the gold medal on Wednesday in the Women’s 50kg final, was disqualified by the event organizers as she was a few grams overweight on the morning of her gold medal match against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat disqualified from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg for being overweight.
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… pic.twitter.com/xYrhzA1A2U
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2024
Confirming the development, the IOA released a statement saying, “It is with regret that the Indian contingent announces the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg category. Despite the best efforts of the team all night, she returned a few grams over 50kg weight this morning. The contingent will not be making any further comments at this time and requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy while focusing on the ongoing competition.”
For the unversed, Vinesh had cut down on her weight to compete in the 50kg category, having previously competed in the 53kg category.
PM Modi Reacts To Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the disqualification of star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Paris Olympics 2024 hurts and that he had no words to express the sense of despair that he was going through.
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
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing,” PM Modi said in a post on X
“At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you.”
Also Read: Watch: Manu Bhaker’s Grand Reception As She Returns With 2 Olympic Medals
Why Was Vinesh Phogat Disqualified
Phogat was about 100 grams above the permitted limit, which is why she has been ruled out. Vinesh was eligible to compete on Day 1 after she made the weight. However, as per the rules, a wrestler must meet the weight limit on both the days. As a result, Vinesh won’t be eligible for even a silver, and the 50kg event will only have a gold and two bronze medals.
Vinesh Phogat’s Weight Struggles Remain A Challenge
The star Indian wrestler, who has courted controversies in the past, had stunned everyone by defeating the reigning world champion Japan’s Yui Susaki in the first round of the Women’s 50kg Freestyle event at the ongoing Paris Olympcs 2024.
According to sources, Phogat, who surprised everyone by entering the final, was a couple of kilos overweight on Tuesday night. She just couldn’t sleep through the night and did a lot of jogging, skipping and cycling to make the grade.
According to reports, the Indian delegation pleaded with them for more time to help her lose the last 100 grams which was turned down. This is not the first time that Phogat has struggled to make the weight of 50kg, lower than her usual 53kg class, which she also had issues with in the Olympic qualifiers.
Also Read: ‘This Is My Last Olympics’: Vinesh Phogat’s Powerful Words Before Historic Run
