On Thursday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that Vinesh Phogat will be honoured and celebrated similarly to an Olympic medallist. He stated that the state government will extend all the respect, rewards, and benefits typically given to Olympic silver medallists. They “will be gratefully given to Vinesh Phogat as well.” Saini posted on the social media platform X ,”Our brave daughter of Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, performed brilliantly and entered the finals of the Olympics. Due to some reasons, she may not have been able to play the final of the Olympics but she is a champion for all of us.”
He further said, “Our government has decided that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and felicitated like a medallist. All the respect, rewards and facilities that the Haryana government gives to the Olympic silver medallist will be gratefully given to Vinesh Phogat as well. We are proud of you Vinesh!”
India’s chances of winning a medal in wrestling took a significant hit when Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event for exceeding the weight limit. She was set to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt from the United States in the gold medal match on August 7. Vinesh had reached the final after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
India will look to secure medals in the upcoming events where its athletes are still competing. Avinash Sable is set to compete in the 3000 Meter Steeplechase final on Thursday. To date, India has earned three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, all in shooting. Despite having opportunities to win additional medals, India fell short, finishing fourth in the 10m air rifle, 25m pistol, skeet team, badminton singles, and mixed archery team events.
