Vinesh Phogat's Olympics disqualification: PM Modi asks IOC president PT Usha to explore all options to help wrestler's case
Paris/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Indian Olympics Council (IOC) president PT Usha to explore all possible options to help wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who has been disqualified from the Olympics 2024 over her overweight, media reports said.
The Prime Minister has asked PT Usha to lodge a strong protest against the disqualification if that helps Vinesh's case, a report by News 18 has claimed.
The Prime Minister wrote on X, "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 been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you."
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
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…
Vinesh, who was competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, is set for a disqualification for crossing the weight limit by 100 gm.
Though she normally competes in the 53 kg category, Vinesh brought down her weight to 50 kg for the Olympics.
As per reports, Vinesh skipped meals, trained hard and spent sleepless nights to fit in the criteria.
The efforts went in vain after the Olympic Committee refused to give more time to Vinesh despite requests from the Indian officials.
She was disqualified on the second day of weigh-in.
Photo courtesy: Olympic Khel X handle
India on Tuesday basked in joy after Vinesh defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba by 5-0 to enter the Olympics 2024 women's wrestling 50kg final.
She stunned world no. 1 and defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the Round of 16, before edging out Ukraine's Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals.
Vinesh was set to take on Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman Lopez for a place in the final.