Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha gave her first reaction to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the women’s 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday, August 7.
Phogat was set to face Tokyo Olympic medalist Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA in the final. However, the 29-year-old Indian grappler suffered a cruel twist of fate, becoming ineligible for the gold medal match due to being overweight, as confirmed by the Indian Olympic Association in a statement.
The IOC stated that Vinesh Phogat weighed a few grams more than the 50kg limit despite putting in her best efforts to shed the weight in order to qualify for the gold medal bout
The IOC stated that Vinesh Phogat was weighed a few grams more than 50kg despite putting in best of their efforts to shed the weight in order to become eligible to play in the gold medal bout after assuring herself at least silver medal following her win against Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinal.
In a video posted by IOA, PT Usha stated that the Vinesh Phogot’s disqualification is ‘very shocking’ and assured all the help to the Indian grappler during this tough time. She added that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) appealed the decision to United World Wrestling (UWW).
“Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic village polyclinic a short while ago and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India and the whole country. We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support.” IOA chief said.
“The Wrestling Federation Of India has appealed to UWW & it is following this up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night so that she could meet the competition requirements.” she added.
#WATCH On Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) PT Usha says, “Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic village polyclinic a short while ago and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic… pic.twitter.com/zHd7YS38QV
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2024
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