'Today's setback hurts: 'PM Modi Consoles Vinesh Phogat After Disqualification from Paris Olympics

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In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling competition at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to weight issues. The news has not only disappointed the nation but also prompted a heartfelt response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Expressing his sorrow and support, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to console Vinesh Phogat. "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," Modi wrote.

His message underscores not just the disappointment but also the unwavering belief in Phogat's ability to overcome challenges.

Phogat, who was set to face the USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match, was found to have exceeded the 50kg weight limit. The Indian Olympic contingent issued a statement explaining the circumstances. "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions at hand," the statement read.

The weight management issue is not new for Phogat, who has struggled with maintaining the 50kg weight class, a category lower than her usual 53kg division. This challenge had previously surfaced during the Olympic qualifiers, where she narrowly managed to meet the weight requirements.

This time, however, despite intense efforts including jogging, skipping, and cycling throughout the night, Phogat could not shed the necessary weight. Reports indicated that she was approximately 2 kilograms over the limit and, despite appeals for an extension, the authorities did not grant additional time.

Before the disqualification, Phogat had an impressive run at the Paris Olympics. She ended Yui Susaki’s unbeaten streak with a stunning 3-2 victory over the defending Olympic and world champion. Additionally, she dominated World No. 7 Ukrainian Ostava Livach in the quarter-finals and secured a 5-0 win against Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals, setting the stage for her anticipated gold medal bout.

Prime Minister’s Personal Involvement

Prime Minister Modi's engagement did not end with his tweet. According to sources ( as reported by Hindustan Times) he also spoke to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha to get first-hand information on the disqualification and explore potential options for India following Phogat's setback.

This direct involvement highlights the importance of Phogat's journey and the impact of her disqualification on the Indian Olympic contingent and fans.

While the disqualification is a significant setback, both for Phogat and her supporters, Prime Minister Modi’s words offer a beacon of hope and encouragement. Phogat’s story is one of resilience and determination, traits that she has exhibited time and again.

The wrestling community and the nation at large remain hopeful that she will return stronger and continue to inspire future generations.