Phogat was disqualified from the Olympics after being found overweight before the women’s 50kg final. She is just one win away from winning India’s first gold medal at the Paris Olympics and is set to face United States wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal on Wednesday night. . Immediately after his disqualification, Prime Minister Modi described wrestler Vinesh Phogat as a “champion among champions” and gave him confidence that he would come back stronger after being disqualified from the last Olympic bout.
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are the pride of India and an inspiration to every Indian. Today’s setback is heartbreaking. I wish words could express the despair I feel. At the same time, I know you epitomize resilience. PM Modi posted on X. “Back strong! We are all rooting for you,” he added.
However, the Congress linked the current development to protests against the former head of the Wrestling Federation of India Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who is on trial on charges of sexual harassment and intimidation by female wrestlers. Vinesh Phogat has played an active role in the protests and has suffered police detention, nights on the streets.
“Vinesh Phogat did not lose the ball of wrestling, but lost in the conspiracy,” said Congress leader Randeep Surjewala as he claimed that wrestlers should suffer because of politics in sports.
Sports Minister Mandaviya, who today made a statement in the Lok Sabha about his disqualification, said Vinesh Phogat’s weight is 100gm more than the limit allowed for the category and the IOA has protested strongly against the wrestler’s disqualification. The sports minister also gave details of the expenses incurred for Phogat’s training and said that he was given everything he needed for Olympic preparations.
Reacting to Mandaviya’s statement, NCP(SCP) leader Supriya Sule accused the sports minister of indirectly blaming Vinesh for being overweight and demanded a high-level inquiry into the support team. “The sports minister’s statement in Parliament about Vinesh Phogat is very wrong. Vinesh has lost his medal and there should be detailed inquiries about nutritionists, doctors, physiotherapists and all the support team approved and selected by IOA. It is the team’s job to ensure fitness, diet and Her regimen in the Olympics to ensure her success is to go and win and bring glory to India, as a proud daughter of India.
“The support team is approved by the government and the IOA and should be held accountable. Mansukh Mandavia, the sports minister, justified and defended the team as absurd and disgusting, indirectly blaming Vinesh for being overweight. She is a proud daughter of India who made it to the final against all odds and much to the chagrin of the powers that be whether they ask to blame and everything else to be scot free A tweet here or there asking to be investigated by the IOC is a sad day for sports and the seriousness that the government and the IOA are doing for female athletes,” added Sule.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also said that the Union sports minister has made Vinesh Phogat a “fallen virgin” and wondered if this is because the wrestler is taking on the “head of the government in his quest for justice against BrijBhushan Sharan Singh.”
Priyanka Chaturvedi submitted a question for the government:
- Will there be detailed questions about the doctors, support team approved and selected by IOA?
- As an athlete himself, does PT chairman Usha ensure that Vinesh is constantly monitored to keep him in good shape in the category he is competing in?
- Does the support team not ensure that his weight and diet in addition to his training are constantly monitored? After all, it is the Olympics that compete.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said that Vinesh is a brave and strong woman who has withstood all challenges, including attempts to end her career. “The Indian Olympic Association must fight this injustice and make a strong case for Vinesh,” he added.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann also questioned the membership of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
“I don’t want to link this with politics. But thank you, did the members of the Indian Olympic Association go there on vacation? The Indian Olympic Association did not deny this even once. There was no tweet (from PM Modi) when he (Vinesh Phogat) reached the final, but the tweet was sent when he was disqualified Come on!” Bhagwant Mann told reporters.
“To check her weight is the work of coaches and physiotherapists. Now, the decision has come. This injustice must stop. Do they (the Center) fix anyone’s responsibility when our female wrestlers throw their medals in Errors like that at a very high level. he added.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has demanded action against the support staff associated with Vinesh Phogat as he pulled out of the Paris Olympics, saying his mistake of not maintaining his weight before the finals was unacceptable.
(With input from agencies)
