NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to IOA President PT Usha for firsthand information and options to address Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games 2024. Vinesh, who aimed for glory in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category, was disqualified after being found overweight by 100 grams on the second day of weigh-ins.
PM Modi urged PT Usha to explore all possible options to support Vinesh and suggested filing a strong protest against the disqualification. Expressing his disappointment on X, Modi posted, “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.”
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
Vinesh, who usually competes in the 53kg category, had worked tirelessly to meet the 50kg requirement, even skipping meals and running, but fell short by a mere 100 grams. An Indian coach stated, “She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified.”
This disqualification is a significant blow, as Vinesh had earlier made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games. Despite her valiant efforts, fate had different plans for her.