Vinesh Phogat Disqualification Ground Report: Indian Officials at Paris Olympics Dismayed, Fans Anguished

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Paris, Aug 8: India's top wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, faced unexpected disqualification just hours before the Paris Olympics 2024 final. Competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams over the weight limit.

Typically a competitor in the 53 kg category, she had reduced her weight to compete in the 50 kg division. Despite her efforts, she was over the limit by a mere 100 grams on the second day of weigh-ins.

Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification News Sent Shockwaves In Paris Too

The news sent shockwaves through the entire world. MyKhel correspondent Paridhi Bhanot, who is in the French Capital, spoke to Indian officials outside the Games Village and the general public in Paris as they shared their first reaction to the shocking news. There is palpable anguish and dismay amongst authorities and the fans alike.

After her semi-final bout, Vinesh had some food and water to replenish her body but that also resulted in a weight gain. In a bid to shed the extra weight, she endured a strenuous night of cycling and other legal ways, managing to lose 900 grams. She stayed up all night, determined to cut weight before the weigh-in for the next day.

Despite the officials' request for additional time, the Olympic committee was inflexible resulting in her disqualification. Even Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his disappointment but lauded Vinesh's tenacity. He spoke with IOA president PT Usha, urging her to file a strong protest and explore all avenues for appeal.

Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event at the Olympics. Her disqualification, which occurred just as she was assured of a silver medal, has left the nation in shock.

"All I can say is that it is our bad luck that a gold slipped from India, but it's worse for Vinesh Phogat. All the athletes know how to maintain their weight, I don't understand how this happened. But there is nothing we can do anymore, " Sakthi Sinh Gohil, Chairman of the Technical Committee of the Basketball Federation of India, told myKhel.

"It was a great moment for all of us when we got to know that she qualified for the final. It is very unfortunate. IOA is already here and the Prime Minister also spoke to them, all I can that we are really very sad. She has been performing so well," added Kulwinder Singh Gill, Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of India.

Vinesh Phogat Loses Medal, Fans Disappointed

"You know since last night we were so excited. We shared photos and news of her performance on our social media and WhatsApp channels. This morning when we learned about the disqualification we were left shocked, " said Haru Mehra, the Volunteer head of India Olympic House speaking to MyKhel.

"I just heard the news. This was not supposed to happen, she was already in the final. I think this could have been considered. I feel there was some conspiracy involved in this. It is my request to the Prime Minister to look at this matter because it can not happen like this, " Naresh Tapyal an Indian living in Paris quipped.

Vinesh Phogat's Performance at Paris Olympics

Vinesh's journey in the Paris Games began with a challenging bout against Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, who had never lost an international match and was a four-time world Olympic champion. Despite the odds, Vinesh managed to achieve one of the biggest upsets in the Games by defeating top seed Susaki.

In her next match, Vinesh faced Oksana Livach of Ukraine and secured a spot in the semifinals of the women's 50 kg freestyle event. Overwhelmed with joy, she knew the journey was far from over. In the semifinals, she outperformed Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, ensuring a medal and cementing her status as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at the Olympics.

However, the morning of the final brought heartbreak for Vinesh Phogat and the entire nation. Despite her extraordinary performance and historic achievements, her disqualification deprived her of a medal at the Paris Games. The champion wrestler has also announced her retirement from wrestling after losing the battle in Paris.