On August 6, 2024, Vinesh Phogat, the 29-year-old Indian wrestler, made history by becoming the first female Indian wrestler to reach the Paris Olympic final 2024 in the Women’s 50kg wrestling category. However, her historic run was marred by disqualification for being 100 grams overweight.
Phogat, who secured a Gold Medal at the 2018 Asian Games, had to miss the 2023 Asian Games due to an injury. She is also a two-time World Championships bronze medalist, though both medals were in the Women’s 53kg category. Her impressive journey to the final showcased her skill and determination, captivating the nation.
At the 2024 Olympics, Vinesh Phogat defeated European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine in the quarter-finals. She also overcame Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion from Japan, in the pre-quarterfinals, and bested Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba in the semi-finals. These victories guaranteed her a Silver Medal, though recent reports suggest that she might not even receive this medal due to her disqualification.
On the day of the final, Vinesh Phogat was set to compete for the gold medal against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States, the bronze medalist from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. However, early that morning, Phogat was disqualified after being found 100 grams overweight.
Indian professional boxer Vijender Singh has criticized the disqualification, calling it a “complete conspiracy against India and the wrestlers.” Singh argued, “As athletes, it’s not unusual for us to adjust our weight by 5-6 kilograms overnight. Someone clearly has an issue with Phogat’s success, which might be the reason behind her disqualification.” He also noted, “I have never seen a situation where an athlete who has completed the quarter-final and semi-final is disqualified in the final for being just a few grams overweight.”
This disqualification is disheartening for many Indians, who had placed their hopes and pride in Vinesh Phogat’s performance at the Paris Olympics 2024. The incident raises questions about the fairness of the judgment in the wrestling Olympics.
What’s your take on this matter? Share your thoughts in the comments section.