India's ace grappler Vinesh Phogat was on the brink of achieving her dream at the Paris Olympic 2024 Games but has now been disqualified from the competition. Competing in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category, Vinesh was found to be over the weight limit for her event.
Although she typically competes in the 53kg category, she had cut her weight to 50kg for the Olympics. Unfortunately, during her weigh-in on the second day, she exceeded the limit by a mere 100 grams.
Meanwhile, in a heartfelt message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded wrestler Vinesh Phogat, calling her "India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian."
Vinesh was unable to meet the requirement
Despite her efforts to make weight, including skipping meals and running, Vinesh was unable to meet the requirement. She even went without sleep the night before the weigh-in, hoping to drop the extra weight. Indian officials requested additional time from the Olympic committee, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Vinesh had previously made history as the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event at the Olympic Games. However, fate took a different turn. The Indian coach confirmed that Vinesh was found to be overweight by just 100 grams on Wednesday morning, and since the rules do not allow for exceptions, she faced disqualification.
"The rules do not allow this, and she has been disqualified," stated an Indian coach.
Indian contingent express their regret
The Indian contingent expressed their regret over Vinesh's disqualification from the Women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the team's best efforts throughout the night, she weighed in slightly over the 50kg limit. No further comments were made following the announcement.
Disqualification means she will return home without any accolades
As a result of this disqualification, Vinesh will not be able to compete for a medal at the Paris Games. Although she had been favored to win a silver medal, her disqualification means she will return home without any accolades.
Vinesh's journey in the Paris Games started with a challenging match against Japan's Yui Susaki, an undefeated four-time world champion. In a remarkable upset, Vinesh managed to defeat Susaki, showcasing her resilience and strategic prowess.
Following this victory, she went on to defeat Ukraine's Oksana Livach, securing her place in the semi-finals of the women's 50kg freestyle event. Overwhelmed with joy, tears streamed down her face, but she knew her journey was not yet complete.
In the semi-finals, Vinesh demonstrated her strength by outmuscling Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, ensuring her spot in the final and making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach this stage at the Olympics.
However, on Tuesday morning, the dreams of Vinesh and the hopes of 1.4 billion Indians were dashed with the news of her disqualification.
An inspiration for each and every Indian: PM Modi
In a heartfelt message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded wrestler Vinesh Phogat, calling her "India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian." Despite a recent setback, PM Modi expressed his unwavering support and admiration for Phogat's resilience.
"Today's setback hurts," PM Modi stated, acknowledging the pain and disappointment following her disqualification. He conveyed his sense of despair but emphasized that Phogat's indomitable spirit would see her through this challenging time.
“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,” Modi wrote.
“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,” he added.
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