Vinesh Phogat Is Disqualified From Historic Olympic Final: 5 Things To Know

In a devastating turn of events, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics just before her 50 kg gold medal bout due to a minor weight issue. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement expressing their regret over the disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified, To Miss Paris Olympic Medal

"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class," the IOA said. 

The announcement further read, "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grammes over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests that you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand."

Phogat was hospitalised in Paris shortly after her disqualification from the women's 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, August 7. According to sources, she fainted due to dehydration. She is now stable and resting in the Olympic Village polyclinic.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Note To Vinesh Phogat

Following Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to share a message of support.

In his message, Modi conveyed, “Vinesh, you are a true champion! You bring pride to India and serve as an inspiration to all. This setback is painful, and I wish I could fully convey how deeply I share in your disappointment.”

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024

IOA President PT Usha Issues Statement

Veteran athlete PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, addressed a press conference to share details about the matter. She said, "Vinesh's disqualification is very shocking. I met her at the Olympic Village and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the government of India, and the whole country. We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support."

Usha continued, "The Wrestling Federation of India has filed an appeal to the UWW (United World Wrestling) to consider the decision to disqualify Vinesh and the IOA is following that up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh's medical team, led by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, and chef-de-mission Gagan Narang to ensure that she could meet the competition requirements."

She further said, "The IOA is taking every step to ensure that the morale of the contingent remains high. We are sure all the Indians will stand high with Vinesh and the entire contingent."

5 Things To Know

1. According to Indian Express’s report, Phogat was approximately 100 grams over the permissible limit, which led to her disqualification. According to the competition rules, wrestlers must remain within their weight category on both days of the competition. Although she made the weight for the August 6th bouts, she could not maintain it the following day.

2. The report noted that Phogat, who had reached the final against all odds, was about 2 kilograms overweight on August 6’s night. Determined to meet the criteria, she stayed up all night, jogging, skipping, and cycling in an attempt to shed the extra weight. 

3. Unfortunately, her efforts were in vain. The Indian delegation requested additional time to allow her to lose the last 100 grams, but this plea was not granted.

4. This incident is not the first time Phogat has struggled with the weight limit in the 50 kg category, which is lower than her usual 53 kg category. She faced similar challenges during the Olympic qualifiers, where she barely made the cut.

5. On August 6, Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. She achieved this feat by defeating the world number one and favourite, Yui Susaki of Japan, and securing two more tactically brilliant wins against wrestlers from Ukraine and Cuba.

Phogat’s disqualification is a tragic blow, not only for her but also for her supporters and the entire Indian contingent. Her journey to the final was marked by incredible determination and resilience, making this outcome all the more heartbreaking.

While this setback is significant, Phogat’s remarkable achievements and spirit will continue to inspire many.