Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification from Paris Olympics 2024: A Heartbreaking Turn of Events

Paris, France – In a shocking and disheartening development for Indian sports, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat, who was set to compete in the women’s freestyle 50 kg wrestling final against the USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit during the weigh-in on August 7.

Unfortunate Disqualification

United World Wrestling (UWW) Chief Nenad Lalovic expressed his sympathy for Phogat but emphasized the necessity of adhering to established rules. “We have to respect the rules. I’m so sad about what happened to her. She was overweight by a very small amount, but the rules are rules, and everything is public,” Lalovic told India Today in an exclusive interview.

Phogat’s disqualification is particularly heartbreaking given her historic achievement of becoming the first Indian woman to qualify for an Olympic wrestling final. Despite her impressive journey, the small discrepancy in her weight resulted in her being barred from competing for the gold medal, thus ending her Olympic campaign without a medal.

No Possibility of Overturning the Decision

Lalovic ruled out any possibility of overturning the decision or awarding Phogat the silver medal. “It’s impossible to give her the medal because she reached the final. The brackets change, everything changes. The rules are rules, and everyone knows that. Once the competition continues, I don’t see anything that can be done,” he added.

The International Olympic Committee has subsequently granted automatic qualification to Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who Phogat had defeated 5-0 in the semi-final, to compete against Hildebrandt in the gold medal match.

A Devastating Blow for Indian Sports

Phogat’s disqualification has been met with widespread sympathy and support from the sporting community. Many have expressed their sorrow over the abrupt end to her remarkable journey. The 29-year-old wrestler was on the verge of making history for India by potentially securing the country’s first Olympic gold in wrestling.

This incident highlights the strict adherence to regulations in international sports and the impact of even the smallest infractions. While Phogat’s disqualification is a significant setback, her achievements and efforts remain a source of inspiration for athletes worldwide.