Sports minister speaks about Vinesh’s disqualification in the Lok Sabha
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that the Indian Olympic Association had made a strong protest with the United World Wrestling Federation on Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics.
Mandaviya said in a statement that Phogat had received all the assistance the administration could have asked for, including personal staff.
“Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight. Vinesh competed in the 50 kg division, and she had to weigh 50 kg for the competition. According to UWW (United World Wrestling) rules and regulations, weigh-ins for each competition are held every morning for the appropriate division,” Mandaviya stated.
Also read: PM Modi urges IOA to lodge ‘strong protest’ against Vinesh’s disqualification
“The weight for 50 kg women’s wrestling was determined on August 7, 2024, from 7:15 to 7:30 p.m. Paris time, for wrestlers competing in repechages. Vinesh’s weight was found to be 50 kilograms and 100 grams. As a result, she was judged disqualified for the competition,” he explained.
Vinesh Phogat made history on Tuesday as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final. However, she was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg wrestling final this morning after being discovered 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in.
Also read: Heartbreak at Paris 2024: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Over Weight Misstep After Historic Olympic Feat
Won’t get any medal if disqualification stays
Unfortunately, if her disqualification is upheld, Phogat will not win any medal at the Paris Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat was found to be 2 kg overweight on the eve of her gold medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States. She worked out all night to lose 1.85 kilograms. Eventually, she fell short by only 100 grams, resulting in a painful elimination from the final round.
Furthermore, she needed to be hospitalized owing to dehydration.
The Indian Olympic Association has “lodged a strong protest” with the International Wrestling Federation about this issue.
