India's ace grappler Vinesh Phogat, on the cusp of ultimate glory in the Paris Olympic Games 2024, was disqualified hours before the final. Vinesh, who was competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, was found 100 grams over the 50-kg weight limit for her event. Vinesh usually competes in the 53 kg category but brought her weight down to 50 kg for the Paris Olympics. On Day 2 of her weigh-in, she was found over the limit by a small margin of about 100 grams. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed her disqualification.
Vinesh Phogat reportedly found out last night that her weight was up by 1 kg. Desperate to lose the extra weight, she went through a gruelling night of cycling and other exercise and managed to lose 900 grams, say sources. She didn't sleep the entire night, hoping to correct her body weight before the competition.
After she was weighted over the limit, Indian officials asked the Olympics committee for more time but there was “very little elbow room for negotiation”, said sources.
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. No further comments will be made…
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) August 7, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed despair but praised Vinesh Phogat's resilience in an encouraging post, spoke to IOA president PT Usha and directed her to file a strong protest. He also suggested that India should explore all options for appeal.
Vinesh Phogat scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in Olympic Games. Her disqualification on the brink of a gold or silver in the Olympics has left India in shock.
Though Vinesh was assured of a silver, her disqualification means that she will not win any medal in the Paris Games.
Vinesh's first bout in the Paris Games was arguably the toughest one. She was pitted against Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki who had never lost a bout in her international career and also a four-time world Olympic champion. But then, Vinesh happened.
It was Vinesh's struggles off the field that helped her draw power and use a perfect game plan. She stunned the reigning Olympic champion in one of the biggest upsets the Games have ever seen.
Vinesh next defeated Oksana Livach of Ukraine to secure a berth in the semi-finals of the women's 50 kg freestyle event. Tears of joy rolled down her cheeks but the job wasn't done yet.
In the semifinals, Vinesh outmuscled Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez to confirm a medal and become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at the Olympics.
But Tuesday morning brought heartbreak for Vinesh Phogat and a billion Indians.