The hopes of millions of Indians went up in flames after Vinesh Phogat, their wrestling star, was disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was supposed to participate in 50 kg of freestyle wrestling. Still, she was found to be 100 grams heavier than the stipulated weight limit, which led to her exclusion hours before the final.
With hard work, Phogat competes in the 53 kg category and has been reducing her weight for the Olympics. She went out on the second day of weigh-ins when she was disqualified for crossing the 50 kg mark by a mere 100 grams. Having earlier found that she was a kilo above the mark, she underwent an exhausting session of cycling and exercises late at night and shed 900 grams but was still short of the target.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) quickly filed a plea against the judgment, stating that the difference in weight was too small. However, the IOC ignored the plea and rejected the appeal. The Indian contingent was very apologetic about the incident and for having upset Phogat by doing so.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi voiced his disappointment but praised Phogat’s resilience and encouraged IOA to lodge a strong protest. His feelings were shared by several million Indians eagerly looking forward to the showdown by Phogat.
Despite the disqualification, Phogat’s journey to the final at the Paris Olympics was nothing but inspirational. She became the first Indian woman ever to reach the final of any wrestling event at the Olympics with victories over powerhouses, including four-time world champion Yui Susaki. Her wins against Oksana Livach of Ukraine and Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba set up the final, displaying extraordinary talent and determination on her part.
