Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Paris Olympics: Devastating news is coming out of the Indian wrestling contingent as Vinesh Phogat has failed to make weight for her final in the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Vinesh shocked the world yesterday when she defeated No. 1 seed and Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Yui Susaki in the first round. After breaking a five-year-long winning streak of the Japanese wrestler, she defeated Oksana Livach of Ukraine to make her way into the semi-final.
Just one step away from a confirmed medal, Phogat outclassed Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba to reach the final in her weight class at the 2024 Olympics.
So far, India has won three bronze medals at the Olympics, so Vinesh reaching the final confirmed the first silver or gold medal for the country.
Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Paris Olympics
But the news has now emerged that the 29-year-old has been disqualified from the final of the 50 kg freestyle final as she missed the weight by 100 grams. In other words, she was 100 grams overweight to be able to compete in the weight class.
Statements and condolences are rushing in from all corners of the Indian sports fandom. This is the official statement released by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg 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.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted out his condolences on the situation as well, tweeting this out in the wrestler’s support,
“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.”
This is devastating news for the Indian fans, who have been waiting for another medal for about a week at this point. It is also devastating to the Indian wrestling contingent, who were looking forward to their first Olympic medal in eight years. But most importantly, this news is devastating for Vinesh Phogat.
Vinesh made her Olympic debut at Rio 2016. She came into that competition as one of the favourites but lost in the quarterfinal after suffering a major knee injury. She was also eliminated in the quarters.
Entering the 2024 Paris Olympics as one of the most experienced athletes of the whole contingent, Phogat valiantly made her way to the final and is now being denied a medal.
But this is not the end of the Indian wrestling contingent at the Paris Olympics. Today, Antim Panghal will commence her journey in the women’s 53 kg freestyle. While in the next few days, Aman Sehrawat (men’s 57 kg freestyle), Anshu Malik (women’s 57 kg freestyle), and Reetika Hooda (women’s 76 kg freestyle) will start their campaigns as well.
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