Olympic ambitions for India’s Vinesh Phogat after weight failure

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said that Vinesh Phogat was disqualified before the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday for failing to make weight. Phogat, 29, was to compete with US Sarah Hildebrandt for the gold medal, Reuters said. “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s wrestling 50kg class,” the IOA wrote in a post.

“Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grammes over 50kg this morning.” Phogat will not earn a medal after disqualification. According to UWW rules, “If an athlete does not attend or fail the weigh-in, he/she will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last without rank.” Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Phogat “India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian” on Wednesday.

Modi posted on X: “Vinesh, you’re a champion! You inspire every Indian and are India’s pride. Today’s setback hurts. “I wish words could describe my anguish. In the same way, you represent resilience. Challenges have always been your thing. Come back stronger! All of us support you.” Modi asked IOA President PT Usha for firsthand information, according to ABP Live. He advised Usha to investigate all avenues to aid Phogat and the IOA president to file a strong appeal against the disqualification, Press Trust of India reported, citing sources.