An Indian wrestler has been disqualified from continuing her participation in the Olympics, although she had already made history in Paris.
Vinesh Phogat has made a significant impact at the Games, elevating her status after defeating the defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan.
On Tuesday (6 August), Phogat triumphed over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba to secure a spot in the final of the 50-kilogram wrestling event, creating a chance to win an unprecedented gold medal.
However, Team India has since announced that Phogat will not compete in the final due to her disqualification for failing to meet the critical weight requirement on Wednesday (6 August).
Despite her efforts, including cutting off her hair, she could not make the necessary weight.
This news is undoubtedly a significant disappointment for Phogat, who had high hopes for Olympic glory in Paris.
In a statement posted on Twitter, Team India explained: “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning.
“No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sorrow over the news on Twitter.
He wrote: “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.”
Phogat’s disqualification benefits another athlete, in this case, Lopez.
The Cuban wrestler will now compete against American Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, who won against Otgonjargal Dolgorjav of Mongolia with a score of 5-0 in the other semi-final.
Outside the sport, Phogat is also well-known in India for her activism. She and other female wrestlers were arrested in New Delhi while marching on parliament to protest allegations of sexual misconduct by individuals involved in wrestling.
One of the accused was Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then president of the Wrestling Federation of India, who was subsequently replaced.