Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics’ 50 kg wrestling category on Wednesday due to being overweight by just 100 grams. The Indian Olympic contingent announced that despite the team’s efforts, Phogat weighed in slightly over the limit. The contingent has requested privacy for Phogat and will not make further comments at this time.
This disqualification is not the first challenge Phogat has faced in her illustrious career:
Rio Olympics 2016: At 21, Phogat’s 2016 Rio Olympics ended in disappointment when a match against China’s Sun Yanan resulted in a knee injury. Phogat was carried off the mat and exited in the round of 16. She made her return to international wrestling in 2018.
Tokyo Olympics 2020 : Phogat qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics after winning bronze at the 2019 World Championships. Despite being a top contender in the 53 kg category, she lost in the quarter-finals to Belarus’ Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. Following the Olympics, Phogat took a break from wrestling, citing mental health struggles.
Phogat had qualified for the Paris Olympics finals in the 50 kg category, defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. She was set to compete against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for a gold medal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed support for Phogat on social media, calling her a “champion among champions” and praising her resilience. He has also asked the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to explore any options for Phogat and urged India to raise a strong protest.
