India’s Olympic dreams suffered a setback on Wednesday, August 7, when star grappler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle wrestling category just before her gold medal match at the Paris Games. Vinesh, who had been poised to compete in the final, was left disheartened and will return to India without a medal. Following her disqualification, Vinesh received medical attention at the Olympic Village and is now working on her recovery.
The news of Vinesh’s disqualification came as a shock to both her and the Indian contingent. She was promptly taken to a nearby medical facility in Paris. Although there has been no detailed medical update, it is reported that she is stable and expected to rejoin her team soon.
According to a media report, “She is currently in the Olympic Village polyclinic receiving intravenous drips to restore her levels. Her parameters are stable, though her emotional state is not clear.”
They tried everything possible. Vinesh was crying in pain as the body broke down. She was in the sauna early this morning in a last ditch effort. But contingent officials told me not to sweat came out. This is cruel. She is not in hospital @WIONews
— Digvijay Singh Deo (@DiggySinghDeo) August 7, 2024
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced, “It is with regret that we inform you of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the team’s best efforts overnight, she weighed in slightly over the 50kg limit this morning. We will not be making any further comments at this time and request that Vinesh’s privacy be respected as the team focuses on the ongoing competitions.”