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Minutes after wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being overweight by just 100 grams, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a heartfelt message on social media, encouraging the wrestler to stay strong and come back even stronger.
PM Modi on Vinesh Phogat
“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. At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the Prime Minister posted on X, as the nation grappled with the heartbreak of the ace wrestler’s disqualification ahead of the final round. Vinesh Phogat had raised the nation’s hopes for a gold medal with her stellar performance in the earlier bouts.
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.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
Sources say the Prime Minister also spoke to PT Usha, veteran athlete and president of the Indian Olympics Association, to discuss the options available for India and Vinesh Phogat in this case. He urged the IOA chief to explore all possibilities and to register India’s strong protest over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification.
Also read: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Paris Olympics, Faces Medal Heartbreak
With about 11 hours left before the bout, Indian authorities are exploring all possible options to address this unexpected turn of events.
Vinesh was competing in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category. She had previously competed in the 53kg category but had reduced her weight for the Paris Olympics. While she passed the earlier weight tests, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit on Day 2 of the weigh-in.
It is reported that Vinesh skipped meals, exercised rigorously, and stayed up all night to meet the weight criteria. Indian officials requested additional time from the Olympic committee, but their plea was unsuccessful.
