New Delhi, August 7: Shortly after India faced a major setback at the Paris Olympics with the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the 50 Kg Women’s Wrestling final, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to console the grappler.
In a heartfelt post on X, the Prime Minister referred to Vinesh as a “champion among champions” and expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate event.
Vinesh Phogat: A Champion Among Champions
“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 epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” PM Modi stated.
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
PM Modi Seeks Information and Support for Vinesh
According to sources, the Prime Minister spoke to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha to get firsthand information on the disqualification and explore potential options to support Vinesh. PM Modi urged PT Usha to file a strong protest regarding the disqualification if it could benefit Vinesh’s case.
Disqualification Details
In a significant blow to India’s wrestling medal hopes, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event. She was set to face the United States’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match.
A statement from the Indian Olympic contingent revealed that Vinesh was disqualified for tipping the scales above the 50 kg mark. “Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning,” the statement read. The contingent requested privacy for Vinesh and chose not to comment further.
Vinesh had secured her place in the Gold Medal bout after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Continued Hope for Indian Medals
India’s hopes for medals continue with athletes like Avinash Sable, who will compete in the 3000 Metre Steeplechase final early Thursday morning, IST. Sable secured his place in the final with a fifth-place finish at the Stade de France, clocking 8:15.43s.
Additionally, Tokyo Olympics silver medalist weightlifter Mirabai Chanu will compete in the Women’s 49 KG category tonight, and wrestler Antim Panghal will participate in the Round of 16 bout in the Women’s Freestyle 53 KG category on Wednesday.
India has won three medals so far at the Paris Olympics, all in shooting competitions.
Stay tuned for more updates on India’s journey at the Paris Olympics.
