India’s professional wrestler, Vinesh Phogat is disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024. The female athlete who was competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, is now completely out of the tournament. This heartbreak comes due to the wrestler’s weight being over the limit for the event. Hence, the Indian star was announced to be not eligible for the upcoming final match.  

As per the rules of United World Wrestling (UWW), the wrestlers advancing to the finals must go through another round of weigh-in at the start of the day. Phogat usually participates in the 53 kg category but reduced her weight down to 50 kg for this season’s Olympics. However, on Day 2 of her weigh-in, Vinesh was found to be overweight with a slight margin of 100 grams. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has filed an appeal regarding the matter.   

It has been reported that the Indian wrestler was desperate to lose the extra weight after finding out that it was up by 1 kg. She did so by cycling and engaging in other physically exhausting exercises. After her desperate attempt, she had managed to sweat 900 grams. Additionally, it is being reported that the female athlete didn’t sleep the entire night. The Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent, Dr. Dinshaw Paudiwala came forward with the statement that the team had left no stone unturned to reduce the wrestler’s weight. However, the disqualification has sparked many controversies, including questioning the coach and supporting staff for not managing the athlete’s weight correctly.  

Setback for India

The deeply saddening news comes after the assurance of having secured an Olympic medal. Vinesh Phogat made a record by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games. Her abrupt exit from the tournament means that India will be deprived of its confirmed silver medal. The medal would have also marked the first silver for the Indian contingent in this season’s Olympics.  

Right after Phogat’s exit from the final race was confirmed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X, to express his condolences for the star athlete. He stated, “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each 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”.  

Phogat defeated Yui Susaki

It is important to note that Phogat impressively defeated Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki. Yui is a four-time Olympic champion, in addition to having never lost a match in her international career. The entire world was awestruck by Phogat’s unwavering dedication, which resulted in a spectacular performance. For the next international display of Phogat’s talent, she defeated Oksana Livach of Ukraine to book a spot in the semi-finals of the women’s 50 kg freestyle event. Following yet another impressive win, Vinesh knocked down Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez to script a medal win in India’s name.  

The Indian star was about to perform in the women’s wrestling finals against America’s Sarah Hildebrandt. However, the heartbreaking news of disqualification sent shockwaves throughout India. In a sudden change of events, the disqualification now implies that Phogat will return home with zero medals. Moreover, Vinesh Phogat’s final spot has now been given to Cuban wrestler Guzman Lopez Yusneylis, whom Phogat had defeated in the semi-finals.