New Delhi: Amid controversy over Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian Badminton player Saina Nehwal on Wednesday reacting to Phogat's disqualification stated that ‘she made an unexpected mistake despite knowing the rules on the final day.’ She reportedly said this while emphasizing the ace wrestler’s dedication. She made these comments during an interaction with NDTV, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Nehwal expressed her disappointment over Phogat's disqualification due to being overweight by 100 grams during the weigh-in for the women's 50kg freestyle event. She noted, “I was cheering for her for the last three days. Every player trains for this moment. I know what she must be feeling. There are no words to describe this as an athlete. Maybe the weight shot up. She is a fighter and has always made glorious comebacks. Next time, she will make sure a medal comes.”
Additionally, Nehwal also raised concerns about Phogat’s team of coaches and physios, questioning how such a mistake could happen at such a large level of competition. “Generally, such mistakes don't happen to any athlete at this level. How this happened is a question mark. Because she has a big team—she has so many coaches, physios, and trainers—they all must be feeling bad. I am not sure about the rules and regulations of wrestling. As an athlete, I am feeling bad.”
According to Nehwal, given Phogat’s extensive experience, “she should have anticipated and prevented such an error. It is not like she is playing her first Olympics, it's her third Olympics. As an athlete, she must know the rules. If there has been a mistake, I don't know how it happened. At such a big stage, I have not heard any such thing about any other wrestler, that they have been disqualified due to being overweight. She is an experienced athlete. Somewhere, there has been a mistake on Vinesh's part, too. She should take the blame too. Before such a big match, such a mistake is not right. She is an Asian Games champion and a Commonwealth Games champion. Because ahead of such a big match, any player will be alert that the weight should be within permissible limits. How such a mistake happened, only she or her coach can answer. But I am feeling dejected that we have missed one of the sure-shot medals."
She also highlighted that, “Phogat’s coaches should provide a clearer for why her weight was mismanaged.”
"I understand what she and her coaches are going through. They should answer now. Maybe something happened by mistake…They should be in a better position to answer about what exactly happened," she added.
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Phnom Penh(PTI): India on Saturday advised its citizens in Cambodia to avoid travelling to border areas as the clash between Thailand and Cambodia over a disputed border entered its third day.
The flare-up, which began on Thursday, has killed at least 32 people -- 19 in Thailand and 13 in Cambodia -- according to reports.
"In view of the ongoing clashes at the Cambodia-Thailand border, Indian nationals are advised to avoid travelling to the border areas," the Indian embassy here said in an X post.
It also urged Indian citizens to contact the mission in case of any emergency at +855 92881676 or email cons.phnompenh@mea.gov.in.
On Friday, India issued a similar advisory to its citizens in Thailand, asking them to exercise caution and avoid travelling to seven provinces of the country.