Vinesh Phogat’s silver medal hope still alive in Paris
Vinesh Phogat was left heartbroken and admitted in the hospital after the news broke out of her disqualification before the wrestling final in Paris.
In a dramatic turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s hope for a silver medal still appears to be alive as she has decided to appeal her disqualification in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that she should be awarded a joint silver medal at the Paris Olympics. The disqualification news comes as a major blow to India’s Olympic contingent and Indian fans, who were left heartbroken when Phogat, one of the top athletes, was disqualified just hours before her gold medal match. The reason? She exceeded the 50kg weight limit by a mere 100 grams – the weight of a medium-sized banana – despite even cutting her hair in a desperate attempt to make the cut.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The disqualification came as Phogat’s match was set with Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States in the final on Thursday evening. Phogat had met the weight requirement before her three bouts on Tuesday, but competition rules required her to be tested again on Wednesday morning. Despite running and skipping overnight to shed the extra weight, she missed the mark by just 100 grams.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep disappointment over the incident on social media, calling Phogat a “champion among champions” and “India’s pride.” In his message, Modi conveyed his sorrow: “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 epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you.”
The sentiment was echoed by shooter Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, who posted on his social media X – completely gutted.” “Sometimes you don’t need a gold medal to be a true champion to people.”
Phogat’s nutritionist had planned a 1.5 kg weight cut, but the small amounts of water she consumed to prevent dehydration during her three bouts led to a rebound weight gain. Despite rigorous efforts, including cutting her hair, Phogat was still 100 grams over the limit. Following her disqualification, she was given IV fluids as a precaution against dehydration, and blood tests confirmed that all her parameters were normal.
Phogat’s remarkable journey included defeating the top seed Yui Susaki of Japan in the opening round, reducing Japanese journalists to tears. Already a significant figure in India, Phogat had previously slept on the streets of New Delhi in protest against sexual allegations within her sport.
PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association, expressed shock and disappointment at Phogat’s disqualification. “I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village and assured her of the complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the government of India, and the whole country. We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation of India has filed an appeal to reconsider the decision, and IOA is following that up in the strongest possible manner. We are sure all Indians will stand with Vinesh and the entire Indian contingent,” she stated.
As the wrestling community and the nation rally behind her, Vinesh Phogat remains a symbol of resilience and determination, vowing to return stronger.
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