Reactions to the Disqualification

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat has caused a lot of reactions from the sports community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness, calling Phogat a “champion among champions” and saying, “Wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.”

Other wrestlers also showed their support. Sakshi Malik, who won a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics and protested with Phogat, said she would have given her medal to Phogat if she could. Tokyo Olympics medallist Bajrang Punia shared that “the whole country is unable to hold back its tears.” Nikhat Zareen, a former world champion who missed out on a medal in Tokyo, said that Phogat’s situation made her disappointment seem small by comparison.

What Happens Next?

According to the Paris 2024 organizers, Vinesh Phogat did not meet the weight requirements on the second day of the competition. As per the rules, she was replaced by the wrestler who lost to her in the semifinal. This means Yusneylis Guzman Lopez from Cuba will now compete in the final, while Yui Susaki from Japan and Oksana Livach from Ukraine will fight for the bronze medal.

Why Vinesh Phogat Missed the Weight Limit

Reports from the Indian Express explain that Vinesh Phogat was within the weight limit the day before the final. However, by the next morning, she was about two kilograms overweight. She spent the entire night trying to lose the extra weight through intense exercise, but she was still a few grams over the limit by the time of the weigh-in.

Wrestling has strict rules about weight, requiring athletes to stay within their weight category for both days of competition. Because of her disqualification, Phogat missed the chance to compete for gold and was also not eligible for the silver medal. The Indian Olympic Association has expressed its disappointment and asked for privacy for Phogat during this tough time.