Vinesh Phogat disqualified: The Olympic wrestler, competing in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category, has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she was found to be over the desired weight limit.
Several politicians, including PM Modi, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, and former wrestling federation president Sanjay Singh's son, BJP MP Karan Bhushan, commented after the update.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Vinesh as “a champion among champions!” on the social media platform X.
“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,” wrote Modi.
Shashi Tharoor praised Vinesh Phogat's efforts, appreciating her determination, and courage that got the wrestler this far. “Vinesh's triumph up to this point has been hugely impressive. She has shown courage, ability and a tremendous amount of determination...For me, she has won our hearts. I am very disappointed with this news about her technical disqualification,” said Tharoor.
He further doubted whether Phogat's “coaches were found wanting in terms of ensuring all the rights rules and limits to adhere to.”
The Congress leader found it very sad that Vinesh Phogat's efforts were not rewarded. “To me, the sad thing is that all her efforts did not get the reward that she deserved…,” ANI reported quoting Tharoor.
BJP MP and former Bollywood actress Hema Malini found it very ‘surprising, and strange’ that Vinesh Phogat “was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight.”
She further wished that Phogat would lose “that 100 gm quickly,” but “she would not get an opportunity,” reported the ANI.
Meanwhile, BJP MP Karan Bhushan Singh said it was a loss for the country. “The Federation will take this into consideration and see what can be done,” the MP added.
Congress MP Balwant Wankhede suspected if there was some conspiracy behind Phogat's disqualification, and that the entire country was aware of her protests at Jantar Mantar.
"It is very sad news for us. There is some conspiracy behind this. The entire country knows she was protesting at Jantar Mantar... she did not get justice and now if she wins, they would have had to honour her which some people might not have liked," says Congress MP Balwant Wankhede.
Union Minister of State for Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship said that it was saddening, and assured that the government would undertake ‘whatever appeal process’ was possible.
"We are deeply saddened. She has worked really hard to reach there... the whole nation is with her. The Government of India is giving priority to it and PM Modi has taken cognizance of it and whatever appeal process is there will be done," said Chaudhary.
Vinesh usually competes in the 53kg category but lowered her weight to 50kg for the Paris Olympics. On Day 2 of her weigh-in, however, she was found to be over the desired limit.
