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Vinesh weight row: Two journalists rule out any foul play, say IOA extended all help

NEW DELHI: Two sports journalists have dismissed allegations of foul play in the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was on her way to becoming India’s first woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. The journalists lauded the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for their quick intervention in the matter.

Phogat was eliminated for being overweight ahead of her final bout against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on Wednesday, despite defeating World and Olympic 50kg champion Yui Susaki on Tuesday night.

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Boria Majumdar, founder of RevSportz, wrote on X, “I am seeing a lot of tweets saying this was done deliberately. Not. Dr Pardiwala and the entire support team worked on her the entire night. Gagan as CDM was on the issue. IOA extended every support. They did everything humanly possible. Please let’s stay sane and not suggest conspiracy theories. It adds to her pain further.”

Digvijay Singh Deo, sports editor of Wion, wrote, “Stop this conspiracy theory. Gagan Narang, Dinshaw Pardiwala, her husband, physios, medical staff, IOA officials, people back in India, OGQ—they worked through the night to cut her weight. Dr. Pardiwala even said we cannot endanger her life.”

He further elaborated, “They tried everything possible. Vinesh was crying in pain as the body broke down. She was in the sauna early this morning in a last-ditch effort. But contingent officials told me no sweat came out. This is cruel. She is now in the Olympic Village polyclinic getting intravenous drips to restore her levels. Her parameters are okay. How she is coping I do not know.”

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The controversy centres on why such a minuscule weight discrepancy of 100 grams led to her disqualification, igniting a firestorm of discussion online. Despite this, the IOA has urged the public to respect Phogat’s privacy and focus on the ongoing competition.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to IOA President PT Usha for firsthand information and options to address Phogat’s disqualification. Modi urged PT Usha to explore all possible options to support Vinesh and suggested filing a strong protest against the disqualification.

Vinesh, who usually competes in the 53kg category, had made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games. However, her hopes were dashed by a mere 100 grams, leaving her and the nation in despair.

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