Heartbreak for India as wrestler Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics for being overweight

In what is a disheartening news for Indian sports fans across the globe, woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was assured of a silver medal after entering the final of 50kg wrestling competition at the Paris Olympics, won't get any medal as she has been disqualified on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) from the title clash for being overweight.

After her disqualification, sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya will give a statement in Lok Sabha at 3 o'clock today.

After Vinesh's disqualification, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha and sought first hand information on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. He asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case. He also urged PT Usha to file a strong protest regarding the wrestler.

Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! 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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024

India's President Droupadi Murmu, meanwhile, "Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and done the country proud. While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable spirit of Indian women, and her epic fortitude and resilience are already inspiring future world champions from India.

"I wish her many laurels in the future." 

Vinesh Phogat’s extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and done the country proud. While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable…

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 7, 2024

Vinesh was set to play her gold medal match on Wednesday against Sarah Hindebrandt of the United States.

After her disqualification, silver medal won't be awarded to any wrestler in the 50kg category. 

One gold and two bronze medals will be awarded in he 50kg woman wrestling competition at the Paris Olympics. 

The United World Wrestling's rule book, specifically Article 11, says, "If an athlete does not attend or fail the weigh-in (the 1st or the 2nd weigh-in), he will be eliminated of the competition and ranked last, without rank."

Why was Vinesh disqualfiied?

As per the rule, a wrestler is required to weigh-in two times- one in the morning of prelim rounds and then on the morning of the final. 

Vinesh passed the first weigh-in on Tuesday morning, and later in the day, she reached the final.

But after competing in a rigorous bout, she was exhausted and replenished herself during the day.

As a result, her weight increased. She was reportedly to loose 2 kg of her weight before the weigh-in on Wednesday ahead of her final match against the US wrestler.

She was reportedly skipping in a sweat suit after her bout on Tuesday.

But despite her efforts, she was reportedly weighted 100gm more than the required limit of 50kg on Wednesday.