Biggest shock of 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat got disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 after the wrestler was found overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final. Notedly, Vinesh became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event yesterday. "She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified," an Indian coach said. However various other media sources reported that the overweight was 150 gms while some reported that she was 2 kg overweight. She didn’t sleep the whole night and did everything in her capacity to meet the criteria – from jogging to skipping and cycling.
According to competition rules, Phogat will not be eligible even for a silver medal and the 50 kg will have just gold and bronze medal winners.
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Vinesh Phogat concluded Yui Susaki's remarkable unbeaten streak of 82 matches with an impressive 3-2 victory over the reigning Olympic and world champion. In the quarter-finals, Phogat demonstrated her strength by defeating World No. 7, Ukrainian Ostava Livach, and subsequently dominated Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez with a score of 5-0, securing her place in the wrestling final in Paris. Following this historic match, Vinesh expressed her determination to her emotional mother, Premlata, during a brief video call, stating, “Gold laana hai (Have to bring gold).” Prior to her disqualification, Vinesh was set to compete for the gold medal against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt later that evening.
The reason of disqualification.
Morning weigh-ins are conducted for wrestlers in preparation for their matches at the Paris Olympics. Each weight class will conclude its tournament within a span of two days. Competitors must meet the required weight on both days to qualify for the finals or the repechage. Throughout this period, wrestlers are permitted to step on the scale multiple times. Additionally, grapplers undergo screenings for contagious diseases. The weigh-in process for athletes competing on the second day is limited to a duration of 15 minutes.
Reaction of Indian Olympic Association,
"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning,". The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," it added.
Reaction of PM Narendra Modi:
“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,” PM Modi said.
Conclusion
Defying all challenges to reach the wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024, Phogat was poised to spearhead Team India's pursuit of gold on Day 12 of the Games. While defending champion Neeraj Chopra exhibited a composed demeanor during the men's javelin qualification, Phogat demonstrated remarkable determination and flair, etching her name in Olympic history. Vinesh made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for the Olympic wrestling final.
Nevertheless, India is proud of Vinesh Phogat and we will be waiting for future gold medals to come. 🇮🇳
ThesoulGuide is very hurt by this development of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat.
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