Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat shows emotion after being disqualified from the women's 50kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics. © Twitter (@Riteishd)
In a stunning turn of events, Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics wrestling competition for exceeding the weight limit in the women’s 50kg category on the morning of her gold medal. This shocking news has left fans and the Indian contingent in disbelief, as Vinesh was on the brink of a historic victory.
At Paris 2024, wrestling competitions are spread over two days, with the weight-in occurring each morning. Vinesh gained weight on the first day, allowing her to compete and secure her spot in the final. However, despite rigorous efforts overnight, she was a few grams over the 50kg limit during the second weigh-in on the morning of the final, leading to her disqualification.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement: “It is regrettable that the Indian contingent shares news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification 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 that you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”
Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the final was nothing short of extraordinary. In the opening round, she defeated the top seed and defending Olympic champion, Yui Susaki of Japan. In the quarter-finals, she triumphed over former European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine, and in the semi-finals, she bested reigning Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba.
Vinesh was set to face USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, seeded sixth, in the gold medal match. Following her disqualification, Hildebrandt will now compete against Yusneylis Guzman for the gold medal, while Yui Susaki and Oksana Livach will battle for the bronze.
This disqualification is a significant blow to India’s wrestling hopes and a personal setback for Vinesh, who was aiming for her first Olympic gold. The news has sparked a wave of support from fans and fellow athletes, who are rallying behind her during this difficult time.