Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to file a robust protest with the Paris Olympics organisers following the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from her gold medal match. Sources report that the Prime Minister spoke with IOA chairperson PT Usha, asking her to explore possible options to support Vinesh Phogat.
In a post on social media platform X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Vinesh Phogat, who made history as the first Indian woman to qualify for an Olympic wrestling final, calling her a “champion among champions.” He expressed his support and urged her to come back stronger.
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1821083814363591059
“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 stated.
Vinesh Phogat was set to compete in the women’s 50kg final against the USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt but was disqualified after being found 150 grams overweight during the weigh-in. According to the rules, any wrestler exceeding the weight limit is placed at the bottom of the final standings.
Sources indicate that the Indian contingent has no recourse to appeal this decision. Consequently, Vinesh Phogat is expected to return home without a medal despite her remarkable performances leading up to the final match.
Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the final included a victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. However, she was hospitalized on Wednesday after fainting due to dehydration and was later taken to the polyclinic at the Olympic village.
Last year, Vinesh Phogat became the face of protests against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan, after several wrestlers accused him of sexual harassment and intimidation.
This disqualification has not only shattered Vinesh Phogat’s dreams but also raised questions about the stringent weigh-in rules that led to such a significant setback for the wrestler and the Indian contingent.
