Vinesh Phogat disqualified at the Paris 2024 Olympics: A heartbreaking turn with national and political repercussions

The disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Paris 2024 Olympics has become a pivotal moment not only in sports but in national sentiment and political discourse. Phogat, who was on the verge of competing for gold in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling, was ruled out due to being marginally overweight during the mandatory weigh-in, sending shockwaves through the Indian sports community and her global fanbase​.

The stringent enforcement of weight categories in Olympic wrestling, which requires athletes to pass a weigh-in on consecutive days of the competition, led to Phogat’s disqualification when she weighed just over 50kg on the decisive morning. This rule, aimed at ensuring fairness, has sparked debates about its impact on athletes’ careers and the spirit of the competition.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed regret over the incident and asked for respect for Phogat’s privacy during this challenging time. This setback is reminiscent of Phogat’s previous Olympic experiences, where she faced an injury in Rio 2016 and an unexpected defeat in Tokyo 2020, despite being a top seed​.

Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Over Weight Issue at 2024 Paris Olympics

Amidst this turmoil, significant political figures have voiced their concerns and support for Phogat. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Phogat as “India’s pride” and a “champion among champions,” reflecting deep national disappointment. He has urged the IOA to lodge a strong protest with the Olympic organizers and explore all available avenues to contest the disqualification​.

Furthermore, the disqualification has reignited discussions about Phogat’s past involvement in protests against Brij Bhushan, the former president of the Wrestling Federation of India, over allegations of sexual harassment. This layer of controversy underscores Phogat’s significant role in Indian sports activism and highlights the broader implications of her disqualification beyond the mats of Paris​.

Political reactions have intensified the situation, with Rahul Gandhi demanding justice for Phogat, referring to her as ‘Desh Ki Beti’ (the nation’s daughter), and AAP leader Sanjay Singh calling for a boycott of the Olympics. These responses showcase the emotional and political weight of the incident, transcending the boundaries of sport.

As the story continues to unfold, it has become a narrative of resilience, national pride, and the pursuit of justice, watched closely both within India and by the global community. The nation watches as the drama around Phogat’s disqualification unfolds, carrying implications for sports regulations and the discourse on athletes’ rights and national pride on the global stage.

Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics?

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for not meeting the weight requirements for the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category. Despite intensive efforts to meet the required weight, she was approximately 100 grams over the limit on the day of her gold medal bout​.

What are the rules for Olympic wrestling weigh-ins?

Olympic wrestling rules are stringent about weight categories, requiring wrestlers to weigh in on both days of their competition without any allowance for their attire during the weigh-in. If a wrestler fails the weigh-in on either day, they are disqualified and placed at the bottom of the final standings​.

Who replaced Vinesh Phogat in the 50kg final after her disqualification?

Following Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom Phogat had defeated in the semi-finals, was placed in the final against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA.

Did Vinesh Phogat deserve a silver medal despite her disqualification?

There is a contention among sports analysts and fans that despite her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat’s performance throughout the competition deserved at least a silver medal. However, according to Olympic rules, any disqualification related to weigh-in failures results in the athlete being placed last, and none of her previous victories are recognized​.

How did Vinesh Phogat manage to compete in both the 50kg and 53kg categories?

Vinesh Phogat, initially competing in the 53kg category, moved down to 50kg following the qualification of another wrestler in the 53kg slot for the Olympics. She competed in and won the national trials for both weight categories on the same day, a decision supported by the wrestling federation’s rules at that time​.