Can Vinesh Phogat's disqualification be overturned? PM Modi dials IOA President PT Usha
Vinesh Phogat, a renowned wrestler who was almost certain of winning an Olympic medal but got disqualified from competing in the women's 50 kg final match, has sparked widespread disappointment nationwide.
However, PM Narendra Modi's prompt intervention has rekindled hopes for a reversal of the decision.
PM Modi has requested the Indian Olympic Association to explore all options to appeal against the disqualification.
However, NDTV quoting sources said that there is very little elbow room for negotiation once an athlete has failed to meet the basic standards.
PM Modi personally spoke with IOA President PT Usha, seeking firsthand information on the matter and potential avenues for redressal. He instructed PT Usha to exhaust all options to support Ms Phogat's case, including filing a strong protest against the disqualification if necessary.
In a big blow to India's medal hopes from the wrestling arena, Vinesh was set to participate in her gold medal match on Wednesday but she failed the morning weigh-in after she was found to be overweight by about 100 grams to compete in the 50kg category.
Vinesh was scheduled to take on United States's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match.
A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent said that Phogat had tipped the scales above the 50 kg mark and was disqualified.
PM Modi also posted a tweet consoling the wrestler, calling her a champion among champions.
"Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you," the Prime Minister said.
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…
Meanwhile, the contingent's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala for the event, shared details of the entire weight controversy.
"We have tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting off her hair, and shortening her clothes. And despite all of this, we could not make that 50 kg weight category following disqualification," the doctor said.
Dr Pardiwala explained that Vinesh's weight gain was higher than expected after she finished her three bouts on Tuesday. He also said that despite several stringent efforts, which usually worked for her, it couldn't be brought down in time.
"We found that her post-participation weight was increased more than normal and the coach initiated the normal process of weight cut that he has always employed with Vinesh," he said.
"This is something that's worked with her for a long period of time. He felt confident that this would be achieved and over the night we went ahead with the weight cut procedure," he went on to explain.
"However, in the morning we found that despite all of our efforts, her weight was 100 grams over her 50 kilogram weight category and hence she was disqualified," he added.
In a video statement, Dr. Pardiwala and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha gave an in-depth explanation of the entire episode.
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