Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50-kilogram women’s freestyle wrestling final after failing to make weight. Despite maintaining weight the previous day, Phogat was unable to maintain the required weight category on the day of the final. This heartbreaking disqualification ended her Olympic dream and sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community.
India’s wrestling star, Vinesh Phogat, was disqualified from the 50-kilogram wrestling final at the Paris Olympics after failing to make weight on Wednesday. This unexpected event caused changes in the medal matches.
According to the reports, Vinesh Phogat initially met the weight limit for Tuesday’s bouts but was required to remain within her category on both days of the competition. She was reportedly 2 kilos overweight on Tuesday night. Despite intensive efforts, including jogging, skipping, and cycling through the night, she could not lose the final 100 grams.
“She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified,” an Indian coach said.
Phogat had a great start at the Olympics, defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals on Tuesday. She also beat four-time world and Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan in her first match and won two more matches to reach the final.
However, on Wednesday, Team India announced that Phogat was disqualified for weighing slightly over 50kg. This decision pushed Guzman Lopez into the gold medal match, where she will face American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt.
Support Is Pouring Nationwide
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for Phogat on social media, calling her “a champion among champions” and encouraging her to come back stronger.
Phogat’s disqualification also affected the bronze medal matches. Susaki will now compete against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach for one bronze medal. While China’s Feng Ziqi will face Mongolia’s Otgonjargal Dolgorjav for the other bronze medal.
Phogat has never placed higher than ninth at the Olympics or third at a world championship before this impressive run in Paris. She is well known in India for her achievements and for standing up against misconduct in the sport.
In the overall medal count at the Paris Olympics, the United States leads with 24 gold medals. It is followed by China with 22, and Australia with 15.
