Olympics 2024: Vinesh Phogat disqualified for being overweight before final
Paris (PTI): In a shocking reversal of fortunes, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on Wednesday from the Olympics after being found overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final here, leaving her medal-less within hours of coming close to an unparalleled gold.
Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event on Tuesday night. Before this morning, she was assured of at least a silver medal but will now be coming back empty-handed due to the disqualification.
"She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified," said an Indian coach.
The Indian Olympic Association later confirmed the development and requested privacy for the wrestler, who was competing in her third Olympics.
"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the IOA stated.
"No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," it added.
International rules stipulate that any grappler found overweight at the time of weigh-in ends up at the bottom of the final standings.
The 29-year-old had taken down defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan en route the finals on Tuesday in a remarkable performance and was to face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the summit bout this evening.
Hers was not the only weight-related disqualification in the 50kg category.
On Tuesday, Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi was also forced to forfeit her preliminary bout after being found overweight.
PM offers support
In Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered words of support to Vinesh, who was at the forefront of a lengthy protest alleging government inaction against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.
"Vinesh, 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," he posted on X.
"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," he added.
It is learnt that the PM spoke to IOA President P T Usha and asked her to explore every available avenue that might help Vinesh's case.
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Party leadership will decide next CM of Delhi: Parvesh Verma
New Delhi, Feb 8 (PTI): BJP's Parvesh Verma, who defeated former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi constituency, said the party's leadership will decide the next chief minister of Delhi.
Parvesh Verma, former Delhi CM Sahib Singh Verma's son, also thanked people and called it "the victory of the people of the national capital".
"This is not just my victory, this is the victory of the people of Delhi, who chose truth over lies, governance over gimmicks, and development over deception. I humbly thank every voter who placed their trust in me.
"Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP national president JP Nadda, we will work tirelessly to bring a real change in Delhi. This mandate is a clear message that people want honest, transparent, and development-driven politics. My commitment to serve with integrity and dedication remains unwavering," Verma said.
Verma, former MP of West Delhi constituency, further said that a "new chapter began for Delhi" and together, "we will build a brighter future."
Verma alleged that Kejriwal did not work in Delhi in last 11 years.
"All the work was on paper and advertisements. The people of Delhi have shown their faith in Modi. This is the win of Modi's work he has done in Delhi and country. I thank Nadda, Shah and the party leadership which brought a good manifesto. The priority would be cleaning the Yamuna river, pollution level in Delhi, giving employment, removing traffic congestion, work in villages as well as colonies etc," he added.
AAP national convener Kejriwal lost the New Delhi seat to Verma by a margin of 4,089 votes. Kejriwal won this seat in 2013, 2015, and 2020.
