Vinesh Phogat: Outrage On Sports Minister's Statement In Parliament
The statement by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya in Parliament regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogat‘s disqualification from the women’s 50kg category at the Paris Olympics has sparked widespread outrage. Mandaviya informed the House that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had lodged a strong protest with United World Wrestling (UWW) after Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight, leading to her disqualification. However, his remarks have been met with severe criticism from various quarters, who have expressed their displeasure at the tone and content of his statement.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi was among the first to voice her discontent, stating that the minister’s response was inadequate and appeared to make Phogat the “fall girl” for the incident. Chaturvedi questioned whether the government’s handling of Phogat’s case was influenced by her earlier confrontation with the administration in her quest for justice against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. She further demanded a detailed inquiry into the role of the doctors and support team sanctioned by the IOA, questioning if proper monitoring was in place to ensure Phogat maintained her weight category. Chaturvedi emphasized that Phogat is a strong and brave athlete who has faced numerous challenges, and insisted that the IOA must take up her case with vigor, as nothing less than a thorough investigation and accountability would be acceptable.
NCP MP Supriya Sule also condemned the minister’s statement, describing it as “highly condemnable.” Sule argued that it was the responsibility of the support team, approved by the government and the IOA, to ensure Phogat’s fitness, diet, and regimen were on track for the Olympics. She criticized Mandaviya for defending the team and indirectly blaming Phogat for being overweight, which she found “absurd and disgusting.” Sule stressed that Phogat, as a proud daughter of India, should not be made to shoulder the blame while the rest of the team escapes accountability. She called for a thorough investigation, asserting that a mere protest or a tweet would not suffice.
Congress MP Manickam Tagore expressed his dismay at Mandaviya’s remarks, particularly taking issue with the minister’s mention of the Rs. 70 lakh spent on Phogat’s preparations. Tagore questioned the appropriateness of such a statement, implying that it diminished Phogat’s efforts and contributions as an athlete representing India.
A senior journalist also criticized Mandaviya, stating that listing the amount of money spent on Phogat in his speech was “in very bad taste.” The journalist argued that this was not a personal charity from the minister or the government, but rather Phogat’s rightful entitlement as a national athlete.
Mandaviya, in his statement, had noted that Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the 50 kg limit, leading to her disqualification under UWW rules. He added that the government had provided her with every possible facility, including personal staff, and that the IOA had lodged a formal protest with UWW. However, the backlash to his comments highlights a growing dissatisfaction with how the government has managed the situation, particularly in relation to Phogat’s treatment as one of India’s top athletes.
Mandaviya has also said the government provided Vinesh with all possible help for her preparation for the Games and spent Rs70 lakh 45 thousand for the same.
