In a stunning development, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024, leaving the nation in shock.
The wrestler was found overweight by a mere 100 grams ahead of her women’s 50kg final, shattering her gold medal dreams and breaking a billion hearts across India.
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Disqualification Due to Weight: Wrestling Weigh-In Rules Explained
Weigh-ins at the Paris Olympics take place in the morning prior to matches. Wrestlers are required to make weight on both competition days to qualify for finals or repechage rounds. Athletes are allowed to get on the scale multiple times within a 15-minute window, during which they are also checked for contagious diseases. Unfortunately for Phogat, she was found to be slightly over the 50kg limit, resulting in her disqualification.
Vinesh Phogat’s Efforts to Meet Weight Requirements
After overcoming all odds to storm into the Paris Olympics final, Vinesh Phogat is likely to be disqualified as the wrestler is set to miss the Paris Olympic medal bout today. The Indian wrestler was approximately 2 kilos overweight on the eve of the final bout. As per the reports, Vinesh didn’t sleep the whole night. From jogging to skipping and cycling – she did everything to meet the requirements!
Indian Olympic Association’s Reaction: Respect for Vinesh’s Privacy
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement expressing regret over Phogat’s disqualification. “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,” the IOA stated. They further requested privacy for Phogat, emphasizing the need to focus on the ongoing competitions.
‘Vinesh Phogat Pleas Fell on Deaf Ears’
According to reports, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was found overweight on the second day of the wrestling tournament at the Paris Games. Though Phogat cleared the weight requirements on Tuesday as per the bout rule, she has reportedly failed to remain within the weight category for two days of the event. The Indian delegation pleaded for some more time but the pleas for Phogat’s qualification fell on deaf ears.
PM Narendra Modi’s Support: A Message of Resilience
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep disappointment and support for Vinesh Phogat. “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,” PM Modi said in his heartfelt message.
Vinesh Phogat’s Journey at Paris Olympics
Phogat’s journey to the final was nothing short of spectacular. She ended the 82-match unbeaten run of defending Olympic and world champion Yui Susaki with a thrilling 3-2 victory. Phogat then defeated World No. 7 Ukrainian Ostava Livach in the quarter-finals and outclassed Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals, showcasing her determination and skill.
After securing her spot in the final, Phogat had a touching moment with her mother. “Gold laana hai (Have to bring gold),” she told her teary-eyed mother Premlata in a quick video call after her historic win. She was set to compete against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal before the unfortunate weigh-in incident.
United World Wrestling Rules: Consequences of Missing Weight
According to United World Wrestling regulations, an athlete who fails to attend or pass the weigh-in is disqualified and ranked last without a ranking. Phogat’s disqualification makes her the first athlete to miss a final due to weight issues, highlighting the stringent enforcement of these rules.
Reactions from the Sporting World
India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra, expressed his sorrow over Phogat’s disqualification. “Completely gutted. Sometimes you don’t need a gold medal to be a true champion to people…,” Bindra remarked, acknowledging Phogat’s exceptional spirit and contribution to Indian sports.
