Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Vinesh Phogat and called her a “champion among champions.” He also asked the wrestler to come back stronger. Modi urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to lodge a strong protest with the organisers of the Paris Olympics and spoke with IOA chairperson PT Usha and asked her to explore options to help Phogat’s case, sources said. The issue also echoed in the Lok Sabha.
Usha met teary-eyed Phogat at hospital. “Phogat, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts.
“I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” Modi said in a social media post.
In a statement in the Lok Sabha, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the IOA lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked IOA chief P T Usha to take “appropriate action” in the matter, the government said on Wednesday.
Mandaviya said the government had provided all possible assistance to Phogat according to her requirement which included personal staff. Over the Phogat issue, opposition parties walked out from the Lok Sabha.
“Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to being overweight by 100 gm. Vinesh was playing in the 50 kg category and her weight had to be 50 kg for the competition. According to the rules and regulations of UWW (United World Wrestling), for all competitions, weigh-ins are organised every morning for the respective category,” Mandaviya said.
“On August 7, 2024, the weight for 50 kg women’s wrestling was determined at 7:15-7:30 Hours Paris time, for wrestlers participating in repechages. Vinesh’s weight was found to be 50 kg and 100 gm. Therefore, she was declared ineligible for the competition,” he said.
The Indian Olympic Association has “lodged a strong protest” with the International Wrestling Federation over this matter.
Also, Prime Minister Modi has directed IOA chief P T Usha to take “appropriate action” in the matter, the minister said.
Earlier, as the news of Phogat’s disqualification broke, Opposition MPs protested in the House during the Zero Hour demanding a statement from the government over the issue.
Some MPs also trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans demanding that the sports minister should answer.
Meanwhile, extending support to the wrestler, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said the setback suffered by Phogat has certainly broken the hopes of millions of Indians but is sure she will bounce back to be the winner she always is.
“Vinesh Phogat’s setback in the Olympics has certainly broken the hopes of millions of Indians. 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,” Shah said in a social media post.
Terming wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics as “unfortunate”, Rahul Gandhi hoped the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and expressed confidence that she will come back stronger to the wrestling arena.
In a social media post, Rahul Gandhi said, “It is unfortunate that Vinesh Phogat, India’s pride, who reached the finals after defeating world champion wrestlers, was disqualified on technical grounds. We have full hope that the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country.”
“Vinesh is not one to give up, we are confident that she will come back stronger to the wrestling arena. You have always made the country proud Vinesh. Even today the whole country stands with you as your strength,” the former Congress chief said.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra hailed Phogat for “giving strength to millions of dreams” with her “incredible journey” and expressed confidence that she will come back even stronger.
“I have seen your courage, hard work and dedication. You were fighting for the dreams of millions of girls of the country in the Olympic arena. Your brilliant game has given wings to the dreams of millions of girls who come from small towns, struggle with all the challenges, fight the system, defeat adverse circumstances and aspire to reach big stages. Your brilliant game filled the entire country with pride,” Priyanka Gandhi said in a social media post.
“The position you have reached through your tireless hard work fighting all the challenges was not easy. This incredible journey of yours has given strength to millions of dreams,” she said.
The Congress leader said that in this difficult time, crores of people of the country are standing with her with the same enthusiasm as they were during the entire competition.
“My sister, do not consider yourself alone and remember that you were our champion and you will always be our champion. I have full faith that you will come back even stronger,” she said.