In the wake of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 50 kg women’s wrestling final at the Paris Olympics, political leaders across the spectrum expressed their support for the grappler, emphasizing that the entire country remains proud of her.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah voiced his support for Vinesh Phogat, acknowledging the disappointment felt by millions of Indians. “Vinesh Phogat’s setback in the Olympics has certainly broken the hopes of millions of Indians. She has a brilliant sporting career, shining with the glory of defeating the world champion. This misfortune is merely an exception in her trailblazing career, from which I am sure she will bounce back to be the winner she always is. Our best wishes and support are always with her,” Shah wrote on X.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh described the disqualification as extremely “unfortunate” for the country. “It is extremely unfortunate for our country that even after wrestling so well and qualifying for the finals, she was disqualified for being overweight by 100 grams. The Government of India has provided her coach, nutritionist, and physio. All of them are with her in the games village, and her weight was constant for 2 days but increased overnight. The reason for this can only be given by her nutritionist and her coach. WFI is looking after the legal procedure. PT Usha has reached the games village, and we will have a discussion and decide how to protest against the IOC and UWW,” Singh said.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Phogat’s performance and expressed confidence in her future success. “Vinesh Phogat ji, you are a pride, a winner, and a champion for all Indians. Don’t be disappointed…Your excellent performance in the Paris Olympics 2024 has illuminated India. Not just hope, but complete confidence that you will soon return to the field stronger than before. The whole country stands with you,” CM Yogi posted on X.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the nation’s pride in Phogat’s achievements. “Vinesh, your victory journey is golden..! Every Indian is proud of your stellar performance at the Paris Olympics 2024. Today’s incident is sad for all of us, but we have full faith that you will once again hoist the flag of India’s glory across the world with new strength and energy. We are proud of you,” Dhami posted on X.
BJP MP Manoj Tiwari expressed his shock and called for raising the issue at every level. “We are shocked. We had hoped that this time our daughter, sister Vinesh Phogat, would win gold. I think the whole country is shocked, everyone is worried about this. We have to raise this issue at every level,” Tiwari said.
Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hoped that the Indian Olympic Association would challenge the disqualification. “It is unfortunate that Vinesh Phogat, India’s pride, who reached the finals after defeating world champion wrestlers, was disqualified on technical grounds. We have full hope that the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country. Vinesh is not one to give up; we are confident that she will come back stronger in the arena. You have always made the country proud, Vinesh. Even today, the whole country stands with you as your strength,” LoP posted on X.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also extended her support, urging Phogat to stay strong. “This incredible journey of yours has given strength to millions of dreams. In this difficult time, crores of countrymen are standing with you with the same enthusiasm as they were during the entire competition. My sister, do not consider yourself alone and remember that you were our champion and you will always be our champion. I have full faith that you will come back even stronger. Lots of love,” Priyanka posted on X.
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda emphasized the nation’s pride in Phogat’s efforts. “We were waiting for her to win the gold medal. The whole country is shocked by this news. Vinesh was, is, and will remain a champion in the eyes of the country. She worked hard and brought glory to the country by reaching the finals… Her weight was correct in all three bouts yesterday, so she should be considered for at least the silver medal. The Indian Olympic Association should raise this matter with the Olympic Association,” Hooda said.
Former Indian cricketer and AAP MP Harbhajan Singh shared his disappointment but affirmed Phogat’s status as a winner. “It is very unfortunate because Vinesh was so close to getting a gold medal. We were hopeful that she would return to India with a gold medal. The last few months were difficult for her and going through all of this and still not being able to play the finals is extremely unfortunate. For me, she is a winner and I hope to meet her once she is back. It is disheartening that only because of 100 grams an athlete is not allowed to play…This could have been the best chance for Vinesh if she was allowed to play,” Singh said.
Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju consoled Indian grappler, saying, “Dear @Phogat_Vinesh, you’ve always been a beacon of hope & pride for India. Today’s setback is a tough pill to swallow, but it’s in these moments that your true strength shines. Your resilience has always been your greatest ally. I remember watching your journey, filled with unwavering dedication. We believe in you, Vinesh. India stands with you, cheering you on every step of the way,” Rijiju wrote on X.
Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra expressed his sadness but acknowledged Phogat’s status as a champion. “Completely gutted. Sometimes you don’t need a gold medal to be a true champion to people,” Bindra posted on X.
Vinesh Phogat had entered the gold medal bout after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night