Vinesh Phogat, who was on the verge of making history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, faced a heartbreaking disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final for being slightly overweight. The disqualification came as Vinesh was found to be 100-150 grams over the permissible weight limit, despite her rigorous efforts to make the weight.
Following the announcement, Bollywood stars rallied to support the wrestler, expressing their solidarity and admiration for her resilience. Alia Bhatt took to Instagram Stories, praising Vinesh’s unwavering spirit: “Vinesh Phogat you are an inspiration to the entire nation. Nothing can take away your resilience, nothing can take away your courage and nothing can take away the hardships you’ve been through to create history! Today you must be heartbroken to say the least and we are heartbroken with you. But woman you are gold— you are iron and you are steel! Nothing can take that away from you! A champion for the ages! There is no one like you.”
Farhan Akhtar also expressed his support on Instagram, sharing a picture of Vinesh and writing, “Dear @vineshphogat .. One can only try and imagine how devastated you must be but still not fully understand. Heartbroken for you that the quest ended like this. But please know that we are all very proud of you and all you have done for the sport. You will always be a champion and an inspiration to millions. Keep your chin up.”
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Zoya Akhtar posted, “Champion ♥️ @vineshphogat You are gold! What you have achieved is beyond medals. So proud. So inspired.” Meanwhile, Vicky Kaushal shared a report of the disqualification with the words, “A winner beyond medals! 🇮🇳❤️”
Taapsee Pannu and Sonakshi Sinha also shared their sentiments on Instagram Stories. Pannu wrote, “This is heartbreaking but honestly this woman has already made her mark beyond gold by now!” while Sinha commented, “Unbelievable! I cannot imagine how you are feeling now and don’t know what to say except you were, are and will always will be a champion.”
Vinesh, who became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach a gold medal bout, had been found two kilograms overweight on Tuesday night. Despite her strenuous efforts, including jogging, skipping, and cycling through the night, she was unable to make the weight. She reportedly fainted from dehydration shortly after the disqualification and is currently hospitalized.