IN A shocking turn of events, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Olympics on Wednesday after being found overweight before her women's 50kg final, leaving her without a medal just hours after nearing a historic gold.
Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event on Tuesday night.
"She was found overweight by 100 grams this morning. The rules do not allow this, and she has been disqualified," said an Indian coach.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the development and requested privacy for the wrestler, who was competing in her third Olympics.
"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the IOA stated.
"No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," it added.
The disqualification means Vinesh will end the Games without a medal, as international rules state that any wrestler found overweight at the time of weigh-in is placed at the bottom of the final standings.
She had defeated defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan en route to the finals on Tuesday and was set to face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the final bout this evening.
Vinesh's case was not the only weight-related disqualification in the 50kg category. On Tuesday, Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi also forfeited her preliminary bout after being found overweight.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi described Vinesh Phogat as a "champion among champions" and expressed confidence that she would come back stronger after her disqualification from the final Olympic bout.
"Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian," Modi posted on X.
"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," he said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Nat Sciver-Brunt
