New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called India’s star wrestler Vinesh Phogat “a champion among champions” Wednesday, shortly after her shock disqualification from the Paris Olympics for being overweight ahead of her historic gold-medal match.
Phogat, who was in the 50-kg freestyle finals, failed to make the weight, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said.
“Today’s setback hurts us,” Modi said in his post on X, adding, “I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.”
The Prime Minister called her “India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian”, and at the same time encouraged her to “come back stronger”.
Modi said, “… I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on… We are all rooting for you.”
Earlier in the day, the IOA said in a statement: “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,” it added.
Her coach said she was found overweight by 100 grams in the morning.
Phogat had been set to lock horns with Sarah Hildebrandt of the US for the gold medal, but was assured of a silver even if she had lost.
The disqualification means Phogat will not receive a medal.
Modi sought firsthand information from IOA president P.T. Usha, inquiring about the recourse before India in the wake of Vinesh’s setback. He asked Usha to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh, agencies said.
He also urged the IOA to file a strong protest regarding her disqualification, news agency ANI quoted sources.
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