Vinesh Phogat, the Indian woman wrestler, is currently making headlines as she got disqualified in the Paris Olympics 2024 just before the final match for being overweight by 100 gms.
Vinesh Phogat had a phenomenal tournament as she became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final of the Olympics after defeating Cuba’s Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals. Vinesh Phogat was supposed to face USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the final match but things turned ugly when she was weighed 100 gm more than the weight limit.
Usually Vinesh Phogat takes part in the 53 kg freestyle wrestling but for the Paris Olympics, she prepared for the 50 Kg freestyle wrestling category. The Indian women’s chief coach Virender Dahiya told the press that Vinesh Phogat weighed exactly 100 gms more during the weigh-in before the finals. Dahiya told mediapersons that Vinesh weighed 1 kg more on Tuesday night, she along with her support staff did everything to reduce her weight, she didn’t sleep, she did running, skipped her meals but still she exceeded the weight limit.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi backed Vinesh Phogat as he tweeted, “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.”
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1821083814363591059
The Bollywood celebs also backed Vinesh Phogat as they took to social media and made posts in her support.
Samantha Ruth Prabhu penned an emotional post as she wrote, “At times, the most resilient individuals encounter the toughest obstacles. Remember that you are not alone, a higher power is watching over you. Your remarkable ability to persist in the midst of difficulties is truly admirable. We will always stand by you through all your highs and lows. @vineshphogat”
Actor Ayushmann Khurrana called Vinesh Phogat an absolute star, he tweeted, “@Phogat_Vinesh, you’re an absolute star! It’s heartbreaking to see today’s setback, but it doesn’t define your incredible journey. Your hard work and dedication inspire millions, including me. We all feel your pain and are here with you, cheering you on every step of the way. Keep pushing forward, champ. We believe in you!”
https://x.com/ayushmannk/status/1821154821220790671
Actor-director Farhan Akhtar called Vinesh a champion and an inspiration for millions as he wrote, “Dear @vineshphogat .. One can only try and imagine how devastated you must be but still not fully understand. Heartbroken for you that the quest ended like this. But please know that we are all very proud of you and all you have done for the sport. You will always be a champion and an inspiration to millions. Keep your chin up.”
Vicky Kaushal also supported her in tough times by calling her ‘a winner beyond medals’. He posted:
Actress Bhumi Pednekar called Vinesh a winner and also wrote, “Itni jaan aur himmat bahut kam logo mein hoti hai.”
The famous YouTuber and Bigg Boss OTT 2 winner Elvish Yadav tweeted, “In a significant and controversial development at the Paris Olympics, a male athlete has been declared a woman, thereby being permitted to compete in the women’s category. On the other hand Indian wrestler #Phogat_Vinesh , who has previously demonstrated her prowess by defeating a world champion, has been disqualified due to a mere 100-gram excess in weight. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the integrity of the competition and the criteria being used to evaluate athletes.”
https://x.com/ElvishYadav/status/1821100922639913436
The whole nation is proud of you, Vinesh Phogat!
