PM Modi Supports Vinesh Phogat After Olympic Disqualification

Indian Prime Minister reaches out to wrestler and sports officials, calls for strong protest and exploration of options following Phogat's heartbreaking disqualification from Paris Olympics.

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August 7, 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped in to support Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Phogat, who was set to compete in the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final, was disqualified for being 109 grams over the weight limit.

PM Modi Calls for Action

The Prime Minister spoke with PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), to get more information about what happened. He asked Usha to look into all possible ways to help Vinesh. Modi also suggested that the IOA should file a strong protest against the disqualification if it could help Vinesh's case.

Words of Encouragement for Vinesh

Modi reached out to Vinesh directly through social media. He called her a "champion among champions" and "India's pride." The Prime Minister acknowledged how painful this setback must be for Vinesh. He encouraged her to come back stronger, saying that the whole country is supporting her.

Government's Response

The Indian government is taking this matter seriously. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to speak about the issue in Parliament at 3 pm. This shows how important Vinesh's case is considered at the national level.

What Happened to Vinesh?

Sources say that Vinesh gained weight after eating a meal following her successful semi-final match. Her team worked through the night to help her lose the extra weight, with Vinesh doing cardio exercises to try and make the weight limit. Unfortunately, their efforts were not enough to prevent the disqualification.

Looking for Solutions

The government is still working on finding options to help Vinesh. They might ask Olympic officials to consider her last performance or give her another chance to weigh in. This shows that India is not giving up on its star wrestler easily.

This situation has brought attention to the challenges athletes face in weight-class sports. It also highlights how quickly things can change in high-level competitions like the Olympics.