Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: Official Statement
The Paris Olympics 2024 has released a statement officially confirming that Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Women’s freestyle 50kg category after she failed the second day’s weigh in.
As per the statement, according to the article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Phogat will be replaced by Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom she had defeated in the semi-finals. The match for the bronze medal will be held between Japan’s Yui Susaki and Ukraine’s Oksana Livach.
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Notably, the Indian wrestler had defeated all the above players to reach the finals.
Soon after being disqualified, Phogat was hospitalised in the polyclinic of the Olympic Village in Paris after fainting due to dehydration
During a Lok Sabha session, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, “…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 met Phogat’s uncle Mahavir Phogat in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana and said, “…such mistakes are happening on such a high level. Coaches and physiotherapists are paid in lakhs. Have they gone there for holidays?”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, “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 epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take on challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you.”
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She was nearly 2kgs overweight last night and tried everything from jogging, cycling and skipping to lose weight the entire night, reported The Indian Express. However, she lost her chance to secure the fourth medal for India after she was found 100 grams over the required weight today morning.
On Tuesday, the wrestler had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in Olympic games.
