President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed strong support and admiration for Vinesh Phogat who was disqualified at Paris Olympics.
President Murmu lauded Phogat’s achievements and resilience saying her “extraordinary feats at the Paris Olympics have thrilled every Indian and done the country proud.” She said “While we all share her disappointment at the disqualification, she remains a champion in the hearts of 1.4 billion people. Vinesh embodies the truly indefatigable spirit of Indian women, and her epic fortitude and resilience are already inspiring future world champions from India. I wish her many laurels in the future,” in a social media post.
Vice President Dhankhar echoed similar sentiments while pointing to Phogat’s indomitable spirit and contribution to Indian sports. “Vinesh Phogat’s remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics has made India proud. We all share her pain and disappointment at the setback she suffered. Her undaunted spirit remains a testament to courage, conviction, and perseverance. She will remain a champion in the hearts of people of this country. I wish her continued success and many more accolades in life,” Dhankhar said.
Members of Parliament, cutting across party lines also backed wrestler Vinesh Phogat and praised her hard work and dedication to the sport. Lok Sabha members demanded accountability and a review of the decision.
In a shocking turn of events, Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being found overweight ahead of her women’s 50 kg final.
Speaking outside Parliament, RLD MP Jayant Choudhary said, “It was very saddening to see Vinesh Phogat being disqualified. Watching her yesterday...All the hard work and dedication she has put in to reach this point”. “The effort and dedication that athletes and soldiers put in is beyond the reach of ordinary people. The entire nation is with her, and I believe the Indian Government is also prioritising this. The Prime Minister has taken notice of it and has given directions. The appeal process will be carried out,” he said.
Congress MP Selja raised questions about the team management, saying, “Managers are there, it is their job. All our athletes and sportspersons go there, and every little thing of theirs is monitored.” “Their diet is watched over, what they are drinking, what they are eating and the type of food they are consuming. So, what was the reason for this girl’s weight increased? Who didn’t pay attention? This has to be answered,” she said. “We were hoping since morning that this girl would bring home the Olympic gold medal, who has struggled on the streets, and today, this has happened to her. Why did it happen? How did it happen?” the Congress leader asked.Congress MP Deepender Hooda called for a review of the decision that led to Phogat’s disqualification. “When the entire nation was sitting for Vinesh’s final bout, hoping for her to win the gold medal, the whole country was stunned. Everyone feels the pain in their hearts, but Vinesh was, is, and will remain a champion for the entire nation. She worked very hard to reach the final,” he said. “While all the other players were practicing, she was sitting in a protest for justice, and then worked hard to reach here. In the eyes of the nation and the world, she is a true champion,” the MP said. Hooda said yesterday, her weight was correct in all three bouts, so she should be considered for the silver medal in the final.
While Congress MP Pramod Tiwari said, “I salute the struggle she has fought”, Congress MP Jothimani questioned the circumstances surrounding the disqualification. “It is heartbreaking to hear the news. Just for a 100-gram difference, something is not adding up. Someone who defeated her opponent thrice in a day, how can this happen,” she questioned.
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma expressed unwavering support for Phogat and said, “It was very sorrowful.” “She was a champion, is a champion, and will remain a champion for the people of India. It was unfortunate. There will be new efforts and new records will be made,” he said.