India Of Wrestler To Vinesh Phogat Paris Olympics has been disqualified for the gold medal on the morning of the competition for being 100 grams overweight.
Vinesh Phogat defeated Cuba’s Yuznelis Guzman in the semi-finals of the 50 kg category to reach the final where he was scheduled to face Sarah Hildebrand of America today (Wednesday).
Sources told The Indian Express that on Tuesday night, Phogat’s weight was almost two kilograms more than the required standard, after which he tried hard to lose weight by jogging, skipping and cycling throughout the night, but in the morning. Also their weight was 100 grams more than the required standard.
The Indian Olympic Association confirmed his disqualification at 8.30 am Paris time.
The association said in a statement: ‘It is with regret that we are sharing the news that Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Indian contingent from the women’s 50kg wrestling category. Despite the team’s tireless efforts throughout the night, he weighed more than 50 kg this morning.’
The statement added that ‘no further comment will be made by the force at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh’s privacy. We should focus on the current competitions.’
This disqualification means that Phogat, who was assured of at least a silver medal, will no longer be eligible for a medal. She will now be ranked last under the rules.
This also made her miss out on becoming the first Indian wrestler to win an Olympic gold medal.
India Today, citing sources, reported that the Olympian has been admitted to the Olympic Village polyclinic after fainting due to dehydration. The report further stated that her condition is now stable and she is resting.
Meanwhile Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for Vinesh Phogat, calling him the ‘champion of champions’.
In a post on X, he wrote: ‘You are India’s pride and an inspiration to every Indian. Today’s shock is painful. I wish words could express the feeling of despair I am experiencing. I know you are the epitome of resistance at the same time. It has always been your nature to face challenges head on. Come back stronger. We all stand with you.’
This disqualification led to public outrage against the management and support staff traveling with the contingent.
Journalist Shekhar Gupta said: Vinesh Phogat’s ineligibility on the brink of a gold or at least a silver medal is a national sporting tragedy. This is a shocking failure on the part of the team, the squad management and the coach as well. Wrestlers fighting on consecutive days have problems with their weight. This mismanagement is a disaster.’
Vinesh Phogat usually competes in the 53 kg category but this time she had to move to the 50 kg category to ensure her qualification for the Olympics.
“I have to manage my weight a lot better,” the wrestler told the Press Trust of India in April. I have brought my weight down to 50 kg after so long so I will try to maintain it. It’s not easy for me not to gain weight because I have a lot of muscle.’
Despite being a popular athlete, his journey to the Games this year was not easy. Vinesh Phogat led street protests last year after allegations of sexual assault against Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan.
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat along with other athletes participate in a protest against the Wrestling Federation of India in New Delhi on May 28, 2023 (AFP)
She took to the streets to protest along with fellow Olympians Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, of India They were manhandled by the police when they tried to protest outside Parliament۔
These protests proved to be a headache for the government but they won the hearts of the common people. Many expressed their sadness at his disqualification on Wednesday.
Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, who won gold in the men’s javelin event at the last Olympics, said: ‘I am saddened to see this. There has to be a better way to deal with this (problem).’
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According to ESPN, Tokyo Games bronze medalist Bajrang Punia said Vinesh told him that I am not fighting for myself but for the next generation of wrestlers. My career is over and this is my last Olympics.’
According to her, ‘I want to fight for the young female wrestlers who will come and compete in the future so that they can wrestle safely. That is why I was in Jantar Mantra and that is why I am here.’
In November 2023, Vinesh told ESPN that he had assured Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik that they would continue the fight. They both have Olympic medals, I don’t. I have a reason to fight. If I train well, I can win a medal. No one can stop me.’
Referring to federation chief Singh, she said: ‘I will look them in the eye and compete and bring back a medal and show them that I can do it.’
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2024-08-10 04:36:03
