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What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Congress has accused the BJP of being responsible for wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at the Olympics. Phogat, who was disqualified from the 50 kg wrestling finals due to being overweight by 100 grams, lost her chance at a medal.
NEW DELHI: Congress has accused the BJP of being responsible for wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at the Olympics. Phogat, who was disqualified from the 50 kg wrestling finals due to being overweight by 100 grams, lost her chance at a medal.
Congress MP Randeep Singh Surjewala said during a Congress press briefing, “Vinesh Phogat who won the pre-quarter, quarter-final, and semi-final lost because of a conspiracy. She won the matches of wrestling but lost the game of political conspiracy.”
He further accused the BJP of destroying Phogat’s career due to her involvement in protests against the Wrestling Federation of India’s chief Brij Bhusan Sharan Singh on sexual assault allegations. “In 2023, Vinesh Phogat and other wrestlers were threatened that their careers would be destroyed.”
Surjewala also questioned the circumstances of Phogat’s disqualification, highlighting that it was her third time participating in the Olympics. “Never in history has such a thing happened. If someone gains a few grams, they usually get a minimum of 1 or 2 hours, but Phogat was not given this period. Why?”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for Phogat in a tweet: “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for 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.”
In response, Surjewala said at the AICC HQ in a Congress party briefing, “PM Modi and other ministers quickly tweeted and gave consolation. We don’t want consolation tweets, we want justice. If it happens with other countries, their government appeals. Why didn’t our government do that? Why is the Wrestling Federation of India not asking the International Olympic Association? Why is PM Modi quiet? If he can stop the Russia-Ukraine war, then why can’t he give Phogat justice?”
Rahul Gandhi also tweeted about the issue: “It is unfortunate that Vinesh Phogat, India’s pride, who reached the finals after defeating world champion wrestlers, was disqualified on technical grounds. We have full hope that the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country. Vinesh is not one to give up, we are confident that she will come back stronger in the arena. You have always made the country proud, Vinesh. Even today the whole country stands with you as your strength.”
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification has sparked controversy, with calls for justice and accountability from the highest levels of the Indian government and sports authorities. The question now arises: Is this a conspiracy, or has Phogat taken the situation lightly?
