In a heartbreaking turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics wrestling competition. The disqualification occurred on the morning of her gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg category due to her being overweight. This article delves into the reasons behind her disqualification and the impact it had on her Olympic journey.
Why Vinesh Phogat Was Disqualified from 2024 Olympics
Vinesh Phogat, a Indian wrestler, has faced a tumultuous journey leading up to the Paris 2024 Olympics. From clinching medals on the world stage to inspiring countless young athletes, her path has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. However, the wrestling community and fans worldwide were left in shock when news broke of her disqualification from the Paris Games. This article give all the detailed into the reasons behind this unforeseen turn of events, tracing Vinesh’s journey and the circumstances that led to her Olympic exclusion.
The Weight Management Challenge
Initial Qualification and Triumphs
Vinesh Phogat initially qualified for the final after an impressive performance on the first day of the competition. She achieved remarkable victories against top-seeded and defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan, former European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine, and reigning Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba.
Weigh-In Requirements
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, each weight category competition is organized over two days. The weigh-in for each category takes place on the morning of the first competition day. Wrestlers who qualify for the finals and repechage are weighed again on the second competition day. According to wrestling rules, failing the weigh-in on either day results in elimination from the event.
Check Also: Paris Olympics 2024 India Medals List
The Disqualification Incident
The Final Weigh-In
Despite Phogat meeting the weight requirement on the first day, she faced a significant challenge on the morning of her gold medal bout. Reports indicate that she was just a few grams over the 50kg limit. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the disqualification, stating, “Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning.”
read also: Paris 2024 Olympics Indian athletes
Efforts to Meet the Weight Limit
Phogat and her team made intensive efforts through the night to ensure she met the weight criteria. These efforts included jogging, skipping, and cycling, but she could not shed the final 100 grams required to compete.
Impact on the Competition
Shift in Medal Contenders
Vinesh Phogat was slated to face USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt in the final. With Phogat’s disqualification, Hildebrandt will now compete against Yusneylis Guzman for the gold medal. Yui Susaki and Oksana Livach will vie for the bronze medal.
check here: 2024 Olympics Medal Tally (Updated)
Phogat’s Olympic Journey
This disqualification adds to a series of unfortunate events in Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic career. She was injured during the Rio Olympics in 2016, eliminated in the quarter-finals at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, and now disqualified in Paris. These setbacks have been a cruel series of events for an athlete of her caliber.
Vinesh Phogat’s Journey to Paris 2024 Olympics: Triumphs and Challenges
Vinesh Phogat, born on August 25, 1994, in Balali, Haryana, India, comes from a renowned wrestling family that includes her well-known cousins Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari. Her career is marked by significant achievements and notable challenges.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Vinesh began her international wrestling career between 2010 and 2014, winning medals in various junior and senior competitions. Her breakthrough came at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, where she won gold in the 48 kg category.
read here: 2024 Olympics Tickets Book Online tickets.paris2024.org
Continued Triumphs
Vinesh’s success continued at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia, where she secured gold in the 50 kg category. She also represented India at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, advancing to the quarter-finals in the 53 kg category.
Protest Against WFI Chief Brij Bhushan Singh
In January 2023, Vinesh joined around 30 Indian wrestlers, including champions like Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia, in a protest against Brij Bhushan Singh, the chief of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Singh was accused of sexually harassing female athletes over a long period. The protest took place at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, highlighting their demand for accountability and justice within the sports administration.
In May 2023, Vinesh and several others were detained by the police during a march towards the new Parliament building on its inauguration day. Their demonstration aimed to raise awareness about issues within Indian sports governance and advocate for reforms.
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Injury Setback
Following the protests and amidst physical and mental challenges, Vinesh faced another setback in August 2023. While training for the Asian Games, she suffered a knee injury, requiring rehabilitation and recovery before resuming competitive wrestling.
Paris 2024 Olympics Disqualification
Vinesh’s journey faced a major setback at the Paris Olympics in 2024. She was disqualified from the 50 kg category finals for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams during the morning weigh-in before the final match. This disqualification cost her the chance to compete for a gold medal against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States.
Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from wrestling day after Olympic disqualification
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday, August 8, 2024, a day after she was disqualified from the 50kg category finals at the Paris Olympics. She was disqualified because she weighed 100 grams over the allowed limit during the morning weigh-in before the final.
माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।
अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏
आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
In an emotional post on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Vinesh Phogat wrote, “Mom, wrestling has defeated me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream, my courage is all broken, I don’t have any more strength now.”
She concluded with, “Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024,” and added that she will “forever be indebted to everyone.”
Vinesh Phogat Family Tree
*Courtesy : Network18
Conclusion
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to weight issues is a significant blow to Indian wrestling. Despite her exceptional performance leading up to the final, the stringent weight regulations and her slight overweight status led to her disqualification. The Indian contingent and fans around the world express deep regret over this outcome and respect her privacy during this challenging time.
FAQs
Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics because she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit for her category (women's 50kg) during the weigh-in. Despite efforts to cut her weight, she could not meet the requirement, leading to her disqualification.
What did Vinesh Phogat say after her disqualification?
After her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat expressed that it was a part of the game and accepted the situation with a sense of resilience. She was hospitalized due to the extreme measures taken to cut weight, which included fasting and strenuous exercise.
What has Vinesh Phogat achieved in her wrestling career?
Vinesh Phogat has had a distinguished wrestling career, including securing an Olympic quota in the women's 50kg category for Paris 2024. She has also competed in previous Olympics and has won medals in various international competitions. Her journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics involved overcoming significant challenges, including injuries and changes in weight categories .
How did the Indian community and leaders react to Vinesh Phogat's disqualification?
The Indian community and leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed support and consolation for Vinesh Phogat. They recognized her efforts and achievements, emphasizing her role as an inspiration and a champion despite the setback.
Did Vinesh Phogat retire after the Paris 2024 Olympics?
Yes, following her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. She expressed her emotions and gratitude towards the sport and her supporters in a heartfelt message .
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