North News

Chandigarh, August 7

In a major setback, Vinesh Phogat, was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final for being a few grams overweight. “It is with regret that we share news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in 100 grams over 50kg this morning,” the Indian Contingent said in a post on the social media platform X formerly known as Twitter.

Providing details regarding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent, told the media that Phogat’s post-participation weight at the end of the semi-finals was found to be 2.7 kg over the allowed limit. “We had just 12 hours. So, the entire team worked through the night to try and reduce her weight. We used steam and sauna treatments, made her exercise, and did everything medically possible. We tried our best to get that weight down. When she couldn’t sweat anymore, we even resorted to drastic measures like cutting off her hair. If we had maybe a few more hours, we could have achieved that last 100 grams, but we just didn’t have the time,” he added.

In a motivating message to Vinesh Phogat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described her as a champion among champions.  “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 been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” Prime Minister wrote in his post-X previously known as Twitter.

The Prime Minister also spoke to IOA president PT Usha and sought detailed information on the issue and the options India has in the wake of  setback.

In the wake of Vinesh Phogat disqualification from the women’s 50kg final for being a few grams overweight, President Droupadi Murmu shared a heartfelt message on Wednesday. She expressed that Phogat extraordinary achievements at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and made the entire country proud. “While we all share in your disappointment over the disqualification, you remain a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable spirit of Indian women, and her epic fortitude and resilience are already inspiring future world champions from India. I wish her many laurels in the future,” President Murmu wrote in her post on X, formerly known as Twitter.