In a big blow to India’s medal hopes from the wrestling arena, grappler Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event. Vinesh was scheduled to take on United States’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match tonight.
A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent said that Phogat had tipped the scales above the 50 kg mark and was disqualified.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. 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 on hand,” the statement read.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply hurt by Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 and struggled to find words to express his despair.
“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,” PM Modi said in a post on X.
“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.”
Vinesh Phogat had entered the gold medal bout after beating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
More to follow.