In a major setback to Bharat’s wrestling hopes, grappler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event on Wednesday. Phogat was set to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States in the Gold Medal match.
The Indian Olympic contingent issued a statement revealing that Phogat exceeded the 50 kg limit and was subsequently disqualified.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent announces Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg category. Despite the team’s diligent efforts throughout the night, she weighed in slightly over 50 kg this morning. No additional comments will be made by the contingent at this time. We request respect for Vinesh’s privacy as the team focuses on the remaining competitions,” the statement read.
Phogat had advanced to the Gold Medal bout after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on the night of Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Bharat still holds hope for medals in athletics. Athlete Avinash Sable will compete in the 3,000 Metre Steeplechase final on Thursday, starting at 1:13 am Indian Standard Time (IST). Earlier, Sable qualified for the final by finishing fifth at the Stade de France, clocking 8:15.43s, behind Morocco’s Mohamed Tindouft (8:10.62s), Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu (8:11.61s), Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot (8:12.02s), and Japan’s Ryuji Miura (8:12.41s).
Mirabai Chanu will also be in action tonight, competing in the Women’s 49 kg Weightlifting category.
Additionally, wrestler Antim Panghal will compete in her Round of 16 bout in the Women’s Freestyle 53 kg category later on Wednesday. Bharat has secured 3 medals so far at the Paris Olympics, all from shooting events.
