A Khap leader from Haryana, Sombir Sangwan, has called for an investigation by a sitting Supreme Court judge into the “conspiracy” surrounding former wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Phogat, who hails from Haryana, recently retired after being disqualified from her gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics due to a minor weight discrepancy.
Sangwan’s statement came after a ‘Sarv Khap Mahapanchayat’ in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, where several Khaps gathered to demand “justice” for Phogat and urged her to reconsider her retirement. Sangwan emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into how Phogat’s weight increased by just 100 grams, saying, “The incident should be probed by a serving Supreme Court judge… she should get justice. We also need to know how her weight increased suddenly. Several persons accompanied her and it was their responsibility to ensure that her weight did not increase.”
At the Paris Games, Phogat, 29, was competing in the 50 kg category but exceeded the weight limit by only 100 grams before the final. This minor excess resulted in her being disqualified, placing her last and making her ineligible for a medal. Had she won, Phogat would have become the first female wrestler from India to win an Olympic gold or silver.
Phogat has since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is seeking a co-silver. The CAS is expected to announce its verdict on Tuesday.
In addition to the inquiry, Sangwan also urged the government to award Phogat the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor. He stated, “She should get the facilities that an Olympic gold medal winner gets.”
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has already announced that Phogat will be honored “like a silver medalist.”