India’s star wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics just hours before the final match. Competing in the 50 kg freestyle category, she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit. Normally competing in the 53 kg category, Vinesh had cut down her weight for the Olympics. During the weigh-in on Day 2, she exceeded the limit by a mere 100 grams. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed against her disqualification.
Sources indicate that Vinesh discovered her weight was 1 kg over the limit the night before and spent the entire night exercising, including cycling, to shed the excess weight, losing 900 grams in the process. She stayed awake all night, hoping to meet the weight requirement.
Following the weigh-in, Indian officials requested more time from the Olympic committee, but there was “very little elbow room for negotiation,” according to sources.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his dismay but commended Vinesh Phogat’s resilience, spoke with IOA president PT Usha, urging a strong protest and exploring all appeal options.
Vinesh made history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. Her disqualification, just as she was on the verge of securing a gold or silver medal, has left India in shock.
Despite being assured of a silver, her disqualification means she will not win any medal at the Paris Games.
In her opening bout, Vinesh faced Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, who had never lost an international bout and is a four-time world and Olympic champion. Vinesh’s strategic prowess led to a stunning upset against Susaki.
She then defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Livach to secure a semi-final spot in the women’s 50 kg freestyle event, celebrating with tears of joy but remaining focused on the final.
In the semi-finals, Vinesh overpowered Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, securing her place as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
However, Tuesday morning brought heartbreak for Vinesh Phogat and a billion Indians.
