Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to file a strong protest with the Paris Olympics’ organisers after wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified before her gold medal match. According to reports, the Prime Minister talked with IOA chairperson PT Usha and requested her to look into options for helping Phogat’s cause.
PM Modi calls Vinesh “champion among champions”
In a post on X, PM Modi referred to Phogat, the first Indian woman to qualify for an Olympic wrestling final, as a “champion among champions” and encouraged her to come back stronger.
“You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. 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 epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” PM Modi said.
Also read: Heartbreak at Paris 2024: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Over Weight Misstep After Historic Olympic Feat
Vinesh Phogat disqualified before Gold medal match
Phogat, who was scheduled to compete for a gold medal in the women’s 50kg final against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States on Wednesday, was disqualified by tournament organizers after being discovered to be 150 gms overweight.
According to the rules, any grappler who is overweight at weigh-in will be placed at the bottom of the final standings.
Also read: ‘Not even a single medal’: How Prakash Padukone criticised Indian shuttlers after disastrous performance
According to sources, the Indian contingent has no legal recourse to contest this decision. Despite his impressive achievements leading up to the last match, Phogat is unlikely to win a medal.
Last year, Phogat led rallies against Brij Bhushan, an ex-BJP MP and former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), after multiple wrestlers accused him of sexual harassment and intimidation.
