Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification from Paris Olympics: A Disheartening Turn for Indian Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat, who was set to compete in the 50 kg wrestling final for India at the Paris Olympics, has been disqualified due to being 100 grams overweight. This shocking news has left Indian fans and Phogat herself deeply disappointed. Phogat was on the verge of becoming the first Indian woman to compete in a wrestling final at the Olympics, but an unexpected overnight weight gain led to her disqualification.

However, the story behind this incident might be more complex. Phogat had previously been a vocal critic of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president, who faced harassment charges.

Phogat’s public fight against the president saw her taking on the Indian government, which resulted in police harassment, as evidenced by video footage. Speculations are now rife that Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not favor Phogat, given that he did not tweet about her making it to the final but tweeted immediately after her disqualification, expressing disappointment over her weight miss and calling her a star of Indian wrestling.

Narendra Modi on X:

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. 

Indian media has also targeted Phogat, with some outlets comparing her disqualification to a student failing an exam and being subjected to online hate. A respected MP, Kanya Ranaut, criticized Phogat, accusing her of chanting anti-Modi slogans despite the facilities and support she received from the government.

This narrative has sparked debates that Phogat’s potential medal would have been a result of governmental support rather than her hard work. Additionally, some believe that Neeta Ambani, a member of the Olympic Committee from India, might have played a role in Phogat’s disqualification, though no concrete evidence supports this claim.

Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has called for an investigation into the reasons behind Phogat’s disqualification.

Despite these controversies, Vinesh Phogat’s journey has made the nation proud. Her struggles against mental and physical pressures highlight her resilience. Her performance prior to the disqualification showed she was in top form, and she seemed poised to become the first Indian woman to win a gold medal in wrestling at the Olympics.

As the situation unfolds, the country watches to see what lies ahead for this wrestling star.