Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and other leaders across party lines and Sports lovers in the State have expressed unwavering support for wrestler Vinesh Phogat after she was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the 2024 Olympics. They said that she continues to remain a champion for them.
Vinesh had made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at an Olympics. However, her dreams were shattered on Wednesday when she was found overweight by 100 grams in the 50-kg wrestling event ahead of her final bout in Paris.
Her ‘confirmed’ silver medal also stands canceled after her disqualification, which happened over her weight. The last-moment disqualification of Vinesh by a whisker has left the State and the Country, including the political class, shocked and stunned.
Talking to reporters, Chief Minister Saini lauded Vinesh Phogat for taking the nation to new heights with her achievements. “Your loss at the Olympics is disheartening for all of us. We all stand with you at this hour. Bharat ki shaan, hamaari beti Vinesh Phogat,” CM Saini said while expressing hope that she will battle all hurdles for raising the nation’s glory again.
The former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has described the disqualification of Vinesh as sad and unfortunate.
Talking to reporters in Rohtak, Hooda said that he had never seen this happen to any player standing on the threshold of a gold medal. The entire matter should be investigated and the Government of India should intervene in it in every possible way, he added. Hooda said that of course any result may come out regarding the medal, but Vinesh has proved that she is a true champion by defeating the world's biggest stalwarts in this Olympics.
Faridabad MP and Union Minister Krishna Pal Gurjar showered praise on the wrestler for her stellar show at the Olympics and said, “Vinesh is not just Haryana’s daughter, she is the country’s daughter. We all wanted to see her emerge victorious at the Paris Olympics but a technical glitch hampered her from clinching the Olympic medal.” “As Prime Minister Narendra Modi said she is a champion and will continue to remain a champion. She has brought laurels to the nation. We all are proud of her,” he added.
Rohtak MP Deepender Hooda said that she is a champion and will remain a champion for us. “Nation was expecting a gold medal from Vinesh, this evening. We are baffled and startled over such a setback. In all 3 bouts yesterday, she weighed in as per standards. She must be considered for the silver medal,” Hooda said while urging the IOA to make a strong pitch for her case.
Talking to reporters in Chandigarh, Haryana Minister of Industries and Commerce Mool Chand Sharma said, “We are very disappointed and sad. The country was expecting a gold medal from Vinesh. The news came as heartbreak for us. The country stands behind Vinesh Phogat. She did a lot of hard work to reach this stage, the Minister added.
In her statement, Sirsa MP and Senior Congress leader Kumari Selja said: “This is the Olympics. Why did Vinesh’s coaching staff not take the matter seriously? The Indian government and Indian Olympic management committee need to answer. How can such things happen at this level?”
Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Subhash Sudha voiced his support for Vinesh, acknowledging the disappointment felt by millions of State People and the country. She has a brilliant sporting career, shining with the glory of defeating the world champion. “This misfortune is merely an exception in her trailblazing career, from which I am sure she will bounce back to be the winner she always is. Our best wishes and support are always with her,” he added.