In a devastating turn of events for Indian sports, ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after being found slightly overweight for her 50kg freestyle wrestling category. The disqualification marks a heartbreaking end to what had been an inspiring journey for Vinesh, who had become the first Indian woman to reach the final of an Olympic wrestling event.
The Weigh-In Challenge
Vinesh, who typically competes in the 53kg category, had worked hard to bring her weight down to 50kg for the Paris Olympics. However, despite her rigorous efforts, including skipping meals and running, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit during the Day 2 weigh-in. Her attempts to shed the extra weight through the night proved futile, and the Indian officials’ plea for more time to meet the weight requirements was denied by the Olympic committee.
Vinesh’s journey in the Paris Games was nothing short of extraordinary. In her first bout, she faced Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, a formidable opponent who had never lost an international match and was a four-time world champion. Vinesh’s meticulous preparation and determination led to one of the biggest upsets in Olympic wrestling history as she defeated Susaki.
Building on this momentum, Vinesh went on to secure a victory against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach, earning her a spot in the semi-finals. Her triumph over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals not only assured her of a medal but also made her the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
The Disqualification
On the morning of August 7, Vinesh’s dreams came crashing down. The Indian coach confirmed that Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams over the weight limit. “She was found overweight by 100 grams this morning. The rules do not allow this, and she has been disqualified,” the coach stated. The margin may have been small, but Olympic regulations are strict, and no exceptions are made.
Impact and Reaction
The disqualification means that Vinesh, who was assured of at least a silver medal, will now return home empty-handed. This news has been a significant blow not just to Vinesh but also to the hopes of millions of Indians who were cheering for her.
Despite this setback, Vinesh’s journey has been inspirational. Her ability to overcome numerous challenges and make it to the final is a testament to her resilience and dedication. The Indian wrestling community and her fans continue to support her, recognizing the immense effort she put into her Olympic campaign.
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