Vinesh Phogat, on the cusp of ultimate glory in the Paris Olympic Games 2024, faced a shocking disqualification just hours before the final. Competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, Vinesh was found 100 grams over the weight limit for her event. Typically competing in the 53 kg category, she had reduced her weight to 50 kg for the Paris Olympics. On the second day of her weigh-in, she was discovered to be slightly over the limit by about 100 grams. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has since appealed her disqualification.
Reports suggest that Vinesh discovered the previous night that her weight had increased by 1 kg. In a desperate attempt to shed the excess weight, she endured a grueling night of cycling and other exercises, managing to lose 900 grams. However, she did not sleep the entire night, hoping to meet the weight requirement before the competition.
After being weighed and found over the limit, Indian officials requested additional time from the Olympics committee, but sources indicate there was “very little elbow room for negotiation.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his despair but praised Vinesh Phogat’s resilience in an encouraging post. He spoke to IOA president PT Usha, directing her to file a strong protest and suggested exploring all possible options for appeal.
Vinesh Phogat had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games. Her disqualification on the brink of securing a gold or silver medal has left India in shock. Although Vinesh was assured of a silver, her disqualification means she will not win any medal in the Paris Games.
Vinesh’s first bout in the Paris Games was against Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, who had never lost an international wrestling match and had set an impressive record of 82 consecutive wins. In a remarkable upset, Vinesh defeated the reigning Olympic champion, ending Susaki’s dream run with an 82-1 record.
Next, Vinesh triumphed over Oksana Livach of Ukraine, securing a berth in the semi-finals of the women’s 50 kg freestyle event. Overwhelmed with emotion, she shed tears of joy but knew her journey was not yet complete.
In the semifinals, Vinesh outmuscled Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez to confirm a medal and make history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at the Olympics.
However, Tuesday morning brought heartbreak for Vinesh Phogat and a billion Indians.
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