Nation Reacts To Heartbreaking Disqualification Of Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics on Wednesday in the women’s wrestling 50 kg freestyle category. Many including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Olympic medallist Abhinav Bindra reacted to the disappointing news on social media.
Unfortunately, Vinesh will have to head back home without any medals. She was scheduled to take on USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, the Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist for the gold medal.
Read also: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: Official Statement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted, expressing his desire, saying that the “setback hurts”.
“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,” he wrote on X.
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
President Droupadi Murmu said that wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s “extraordinary feats” at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and made the country proud.
“Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and made the country proud. While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable spirit of Indian women, and her epic fortitude and resilience are already inspiring future world champions from India. I wish her many laurels in the future,” she said.
Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and done the country proud. While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable…
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2024
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in the post that IOA will strongly challenge this decision. “It is unfortunate that Vinesh Phogat, India’s pride, who reached the finals after defeating world champion wrestlers, was disqualified on technical grounds. We have full hope that the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country. Vinesh is not one to give up; we are confident that she will come back stronger in the arena. You have always made the country proud, Vinesh. Even today, the whole country stands with you as your strength,” Gandhi wrote in an X post.
विश्वविजेता पहलवानों को हरा कर फाइनल में पहुंची भारत की शान विनेश फोगाट का तकनीकी आधार पर अयोग्य घोषित किया जाना दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण है।
हमें पूरी उम्मीद है कि भारतीय ओलंपिक संघ इस निर्णय को मजबूती से चैलेंज कर देश की बेटी को न्याय दिलाएगा।
विनेश हिम्मत हारने वालों में से नहीं हैं,…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 7, 2024
Read also: “Conspiracy Against Fiery Rebel”: Internet Erupts After Vinesh Phogat Disqualification
Tamil Nadu Chief minister MK Stalin pouring in support stated that “a few grams cannot diminish your spirit and achievements”. “Vinesh, you are a true champion in ‘every’ sense. Your resilience, strength, and remarkable journey to the finals have inspired millions of Indian daughters. Disqualification over a few grams cannot diminish your spirit and achievements. Though you missed a medal, you have won the hearts of everyone with your incredible determination,” he wrote on X.
Vinesh, you are a true champion in ‘every’ sense. Your resilience, strength, and remarkable journey to the finals have inspired millions of Indian daughters.
Disqualification over a few grams cannot diminish your spirit and achievements. Though you missed a medal, you have won… pic.twitter.com/yzuvP6RDkA
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) August 7, 2024
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya speaks on the issue of disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Paris Olympics 2024. He says, “…Today her weight was found 50 kg 100 grams and she was disqualified. The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW). IOA President PT Usha is in Paris, the Prime Minister spoke to her and asked her to take necessary action… The government provided every facility to her including personal staff…”
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann meets Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s uncle Mahavir Phogat in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana. CM Mann says, “…such mistakes are happening on such a high level. Coaches and physiotherapists are paid in lakhs. Have they gone there for holidays?”
Sakshi Malik, among the wrestlers who led the protest Jantar Mantar against Brij Bhushan wrote on X, “My heart is devastated and upset. What Vinesh has done is beyond imagination”.
Former Indian Olympian Abhinav Bindra called Vinesh a “true champion” after the disqualification announcement. Unable to digest the results, he wrote, “Completely gutted. Sometimes you don’t need a gold medal to be a true champion to people”.
Completely gutted . Sometimes u dont need a gold medal to be a true champion to people….
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 7, 2024
