India appeals over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification, wrestler breaks silence

After Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 in a shocking turn of events over exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams in the women's 50 kg category, India filed an appeal.

Displaying remarkable composure, Phogat told her coaches, "It's part of the game," following the disqualification on Wednesday. Women's national coach Virender Dahiya and Manjeet Rani, who had just witnessed Phogat defeat world number one Yui Susaki in the opening round on Tuesday, were among those who met with the resilient wrestler after the incident.

The Indian wrestling contingent was left stunned by the disqualification, as Phogat was assured of at least a silver medal before being found overweight during the second weigh-in. Coach Dahiya shared that the news had a significant impact on the team’s morale. "The girls were feeling pretty low after the news broke. We met Vinesh and tried to console her. She was brave. She told us, 'It's hard luck that we missed the medal, but it is part of the game,'" Dahiya recounted.

The day brought more disappointment for Indian wrestling when Antim Panghal lost her first-round bout in the women's 53kg category by technical superiority. "She just could not play her game, did not look in her element," commented the coach.

Phogat's disqualification came just hours after making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final in her category. Despite being guaranteed a silver medal, she will now return home empty-handed. Earlier in the day, Phogat had been taken to the polyclinic inside the Games village due to severe dehydration.

"She was found overweight by 100 grams this morning. The rules do not allow this, and she has been disqualified," stated an Indian coach. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has requested privacy for Phogat, who was competing in her third Olympics and has filed an appeal against the disqualification.

"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the IOA stated. "No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh's privacy. I would like to focus on the competitions on hand."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his disappointment but praised Phogat's resilience in a supportive message. He spoke with IOA president PT Usha, urging her to file a strong protest and explore all appeal options.

Phogat’s journey in the Paris Games was nothing short of remarkable. She defeated Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, a four-time world and Olympic champion, in her first bout, in one of the biggest upsets in the Games. She then defeated Ukraine's Oksana Livach to secure a semi-final berth and outmuscled Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez to confirm a medal.