Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s hotly debated suggestion that Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat could have avoided disqualification by cutting her hair has ignited a storm in both sports and political circles. Mann’s remarks, made during his visit to the Phogat family in Charkhi Dadri in Haryana on Wednesday, emphasized that a few grams cost India its first potential gold or silver medal by a woman in wrestling at the Paris Olympics.
The mats of Paris were supposed to echo with the triumph of Vinesh Phogat, but instead, her disqualification over a mere 100 grams left the nation grappling with disappointment.
Mann’s suggestion that a haircut could have averted this debacle underscored the razor-thin margins that define success and failure in the sport. “Her hair alone may have weighed 200 grams,” Mann said while talking with Vinesh’s uncle and mentor Mahavir Phogat, pointing to a seemingly minor detail that could have turned the tide.
During his meeting with Vinesh’s taau (uncle) and Dronacharya Awardee, Mann’s frustration was palpable. He criticized the coaching and physiotherapy teams, who despite their hefty salaries, failed to manage her weight.
Shaking the very foundation of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Mann didn't hold back, questioning if the IOA members were simply enjoying a Parisian holiday while their athletes faced crushing setbacks.
“What is 100 grams or 50 grams (overweight)? A mistake has taken place at such a level. What are the physiotherapists and coaches there for? They take salaries in lakhs. What have they gone to do there? Have they gone there to roam around?” Mann’s words cut through the complacency, highlighting a grave oversight at a critical juncture.
The suggestion of cutting hair to meet weight might sound trivial to some, but it underscored the meticulous attention to detail required in elite sports. But for Vinesh, who was on the cusp of making history, every gram mattered.
Beyond the immediate coaching staff, Mann’s critique extended to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Union Government. “It is unfortunate that Indian players have been facing step-motherly treatment in the ongoing Olympics, but the Indian Government is silent over the issue,” he stated, lamenting the systemic issues that have long plagued Indian sports.
Mann’s visit was not just a gesture of support; it was a clarion call for accountability and action. He contrasted the government’s boasts of readiness to host the Olympic Games with the stark reality faced by the athletes. “On one hand, the Centre Government is boasting that India is all set for hosting the Olympic Games; but on the other hand, the interests of the players from the country are not being secured,” he declared, highlighting the disconnect between rhetoric and reality.
“The unceremonious ouster of Phogat even though she had drubbed the wrestlers of other countries till semi-finals and was strong probable of Olympics gold, along with red card given to Indian Hockey player despite of no fault, is unwarranted and undesirable. However, it is surprising that the Indian Government and Indian Olympic Association is a mute spectator to it,” he said.
Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Paris Olympics showcased her exceptional skill and determination. Despite her disqualification, she had defeated top wrestlers to reach the semifinals. Mann’s condemnation of the IOA’s failure to appeal against her disqualification underscored another layer of administrative inefficiency. “The country stands with Vinesh Phogat, who missed out on a medal due to the Government’s failure to appeal against her disqualification,” he emphasized, voicing the nation’s collective disappointment and support.
Mann praised Vinesh’s indomitable spirit and dedication, which saw her defeating three champions in a single day. Yet, due to what Mann described as a “technical issue”, her efforts were undone overnight.
The discussion between Mann and Mahavir Phogat illuminated the missed opportunities and the lack of vigilance from the coaching staff. “The coach should have checked her weight in the morning and evening,” Mahavir Phogat noted, underscoring the preventable nature of the oversight that cost them dearly.
LPU announces Rs 25L reward for Phogat
In a display of unwavering support, Jalandhar-based Lovely Professional University (LPU) on Wednesday announced a substantial cash reward of Rs 25 lakh for its student, Vinesh Phogat. The generous prize, initially set aside for silver medalists in the Paris Olympics, will be awarded to Phogat despite her recent disqualification from the Games— a gesture underscoring the University’s steadfast commitment to its student-athletes, demonstrating that true recognition goes beyond mere medals.
Phogat, a distinguished wrestler and LPU student, made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the finals of a wrestling event at the Olympics. Her remarkable achievement was marred by a heartbreaking twist — a marginal 100 grams overweight during the final weigh-in led to her disqualification. The news of her disqualification reverberated across the sports community, leaving a void where a potential gold or silver medal could have shone.
Despite this setback, LPU's support for Phogat remains resolute. LPU Founder-Chancellor and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal expressed admiration for Phogat’s dedication and skill. “For us, Vinesh is still a medal winner. Her relentless effort and exceptional talent throughout her journey deserve recognition. We are proud to honor her with the promised Rs 25 lakh, a reward initially reserved for silver medalists,” Mittal said.
LPU’s support extends beyond this individual gesture. The university has unveiled a comprehensive cash reward program for its student-athletes participating in the Paris Olympics. Gold medalists will be rewarded with Rs 50 lakh, silver medalists with Rs 25 lakh, and bronze medalists with Rs 10 lakh.
Phogat, currently pursuing an MA in Psychology at LPU, exemplified the university’s dedication to fostering talent across diverse fields. The institution’s backing is particularly noteworthy given the scale of their support. With 24 students representing India in various sports disciplines, including javelin, wrestling, hockey, athletics, weightlifting, shooting, and boxing, LPU accounts for 21 percent of the overall Indian Olympic team. This makes it the second-largest contingent globally, trailing only behind Stanford University in the USA.