As India mourns the lack of what might have been a historic second, the main target now shifts to studying from this incident and guaranteeing that future athletes are higher ready for such crucial conditions.
Within the annals of Indian sports activities historical past, Vinesh Phogat’s story on the Paris 2024 Olympics will probably be remembered as considered one of tragic heartbreak. Simply as Neeraj Chopra’s golden throw in Tokyo introduced pleasure, Phogat’s disqualification as a consequence of a mere 100 grams will depart a scar within the reminiscence of a billion Indians.
Second of Disqualification for Vinesh Phogat
On what ought to have been the top of her profession, Vinesh Phogat stepped onto the scales for her weigh-in earlier than the gold medal bout within the 50 kg wrestling class on August 7.
To her horror, the scales learn 50.1 kg—simply 100 grams over the restrict. In keeping with the strict guidelines of the United World Wrestling (UWW), this led to her automated disqualification, ending her desires of Olympic glory.
File-Breaking journey lower brief
Vinesh Phogat had already made historical past by turning into the primary Indian lady wrestler to succeed in the gold medal bout on the Olympics. Her journey was nothing wanting spectacular, highlighted by her beautiful victory over Yui Susaki of Japan, a beforehand undefeated world champion with an 82-0 report.
Efforts to overturn Disqualification
Within the aftermath of her disqualification, the Indian crew, together with Vinesh, made an enchantment to the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal.
Regardless of the heartfelt plea and assist from numerous quarters, together with Indian Olympic Affiliation (IOA) President PT Usha and the Wrestling Federation of India, the enchantment didn’t end in a reversal of the choice.
Weight Minimize Wrestle for Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat’s preparation for the ultimate had been marred by a difficult weight lower. Dropping from her common 53 kg class to 50 kg required vital effort.
Within the 12 hours between her semi-final victory and the weigh-in, she and her crew used each doable measure to shed the required weight. Regardless of these efforts, together with drastic measures like chopping her hair and shortening her vest, they fell brief by a mere 100 grams.
PT Usha’s Help and Authorities response
PT Usha, a legendary athlete herself and now the IOA President, visited Vinesh on the Video games Village polyclinic, the place the wrestler was receiving remedy for extreme dehydration. Whereas Usha confirmed that Vinesh was bodily advantageous, the frustration was evident. The Indian authorities and sporting authorities rallied behind her, however the injury had been accomplished.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s comfort
Prime Minister Narendra Modi additionally expressed his assist for Vinesh, describing her as a “champion amongst champions” and urging her to return again stronger. His phrases of encouragement, although heartfelt, couldn’t ease the ache of a missed alternative on the world’s greatest stage.
World Wrestling Physique’s stand
Regardless of the outcry and efforts to assist Vinesh, the UWW stood agency in its determination. UWW chief Nenad Lalovic acknowledged that whereas he understood the feelings concerned, the foundations have been clear, and nothing might be accomplished to overturn the disqualification.
Debunking Conspiracy Theories
Within the wake of the disqualification, conspiracy theories circulated, suggesting foul play or that Vinesh might have faked an harm to retain her silver medal. Nevertheless, sports activities officers, together with Adille Sumariwalla, president of the Athletics Federation of India, dismissed these claims, clarifying that the disqualification was a matter of technicality and never politics.
Aftermath: Investigation and Reflection
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) introduced an investigation into the position of Vinesh’s assist employees within the weigh-in failure. WFI President Sanjay Singh emphasised that whereas Vinesh was not at fault, her crew should take duty for the result.
As India mourns the lack of what might have been a historic second, the main target now shifts to studying from this incident and guaranteeing that future athletes are higher ready for such crucial conditions.
Attraction Rejected by CAS
On August 14, the Courtroom of Arbitration for Sport dismissed wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s enchantment for a shared silver medal from the Paris Olympics. Though the ruling was initially scheduled for August 16, the choice was made earlier. Following the decision, Indian Olympic Committee President PT Usha expressed her dissatisfaction. The CAS’s determination upheld the unique ruling by the Worldwide Olympic Committee and the United World Wrestling.
Editors decide
