Following the devastating news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 50 kg women’s wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024, political leaders across India have extended their support and admiration for the grappler, emphasizing that the entire nation is proud of her.
Earlier today, Phogat was disqualified from the event, where she was set to compete against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his disappointment, noting the profound impact on 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 posted on X.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh described the situation as “extremely unfortunate” for the country, revealing that Phogat was disqualified for being overweight by 100 grams. Singh highlighted the government’s support for Phogat, including providing her with a coach, nutritionist, and physio. “Her weight was constant for 2 days but it 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, encouraging her not to be disheartened. “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 also expressed 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 voiced his shock and concern over the disqualification, stating that the issue needs to be addressed at all levels. “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.
NCP MP Praful Patel criticized the disqualification as “shocking and disturbing,” urging the Indian Olympic Association and the Government of India to challenge the decision. “It is very shocking and disturbing news that she has been disqualified… All sports federations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), cannot have these kinds of yardsticks. How can you disqualify someone at the final stage? This is shocking. The Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association should take this up strongly with the IOC and put a big question mark on the way the IOC itself is operating and the way this entire Olympics is being conducted,” Patel said.
In the Lok Sabha, opposition MPs raised the issue of Phogat’s disqualification, prompting Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to announce that the Union Sports Minister would make a statement on the matter at 3 PM today. Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed hope that the Indian Olympic Association would challenge the decision and provide justice to Phogat. “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,” Gandhi posted on X.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra offered words of encouragement, affirming the nation’s support for Phogat. “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 accomplishments and called for her to be awarded at least a silver medal. “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 also lamented Phogat’s disqualification, recognizing her perseverance. “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.
Earlier, a statement from the Indian Olympic contingent confirmed Phogat’s disqualification due to weighing in above the 50 kg limit. “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.
Phogat had earned her place in the Gold Medal bout after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
