Vinesh Phogat Tops Google Searches Worldwide Amid Olympic Medal Controversy

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has captured global attention following her controversial disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The athlete, who was barred from competing in the final match due to being 100 grams overweight, has become the most searched sports personality on Google over the past week.

Global Interest in Phogat's Case 

According to Google data, Vinesh Phogat has been searched in over 50 countries in the last seven days. Among these, 23 countries showed significant search interest, with percentages ranging from 1% to 100% of internet users. India tops the list with a 100% search score, followed by the United Arab Emirates at 22%.

Within India, all states have shown high search trends for Phogat. Haryana, her home state, leads with a 100% search score, followed by Delhi (93%), Goa (84%), and Chandigarh (84%). Even states with lower scores, such as Mizoram (18%) and Meghalaya (27%), demonstrate considerable interest in the wrestler's case.

The Olympic Disqualification 

Vinesh Phogat's journey at the Paris Olympics took an unexpected turn when she was disqualified before the final match. Here's a brief timeline of events:

1. Historic Achievement: Phogat became the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final, defeating the Tokyo Olympic champion in the process. 

2. Weight Management Struggle: After her semifinal victory, Phogat's weight increased to 52.700 kg due to necessary nutrition intake. The team had only 12 hours to bring her weight down to the required 50 kg. 

3. Disqualification: Despite overnight efforts, including jogging, skipping, and even cutting her hair, Phogat weighed 100 grams over the limit at the final weigh-in, leading to her disqualification. 

Appeal and Delayed Decision 

Following her disqualification, Phogat appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal. The court's decision, initially expected on August 13, has been postponed to August 16, prolonging the suspense and global interest in the case. Political and Public Response

The case has drawn attention from high-level officials in India:

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the Indian Olympic Association president, urging a strong protest against the disqualification. 

2. Sports Minister Anurag Thakur addressed the issue in Parliament, detailing the support provided to Phogat for her Olympic preparation. 

Phogat's Retirement Announcement

Amidst the controversy, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling through a social media post. Her emotional message, expressing her inability to continue, has added another layer to this unfolding drama.

As the world awaits the CAS decision on August 16, Vinesh Phogat's case continues to spark discussions about weight management in sports, fairness in competition, and the immense pressure faced by Olympic athletes. The global interest, as reflected in the Google search trends, underscores the significance of this case beyond India's borders and highlights the universal appeal of sports narratives that combine personal struggle with high-stakes competition.