Following wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the gold-medal match at the Paris Olympics due to being overweight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to express his support and concern.
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You embody Bharat’s pride and serve as an inspiration to every Indian. This setback is deeply painful. I wish words could convey the depth of my empathy,” wrote PM Modi.
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
He continued, “However, I believe in your resilience. You have always faced challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all cheering for you.”
Sources indicate PM Modi reached out to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha to gather detailed information about the situation and explore possible actions in response to Vinesh’s disqualification.
PM Modi instructed Usha to consider all possible measures to support Vinesh and encouraged her to file a strong appeal against the disqualification if it could benefit the wrestler.
Vinesh Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final on Tuesday. Unfortunately, she was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after failing to meet the weight limit during this morning’s weigh-in.
Bharat’s national coach, Virendra Singh Dahiya, confirmed the disqualification, “She was 100 grams over her weight during the morning weigh-in. Our president, Sanjay Singh, is currently working on an appeal.”
Wrestlers are required to meet their weight both in the morning of the preliminary rounds and the final. Although Phogat was within the weight limit on Tuesday, she struggled to maintain it after three bouts throughout the day, resulting in a weight gain.
Reportedly Phogat did not sleep and made every effort — through jogging, skipping, and cycling — to meet the eligibility criteria.
