New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday responded to the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics, praising her as a champion among champions. Modi expressed his confidence in Phogats resilience and assured the nation that she would emerge stronger from this setback. “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are Indias pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Todays setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing,” Modi wrote in a heartfelt message. “At the same time, I know that you epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” he added.Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are Indias pride and an inspiration for each and every IndiaTodays 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…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024Prime Ministers Direct InvolvementSources reveal that Prime Minister Modi also spoke with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha, seeking detailed information on the situation and potential avenues for addressing Vineshs disqualification. Modi urged Usha to explore all possible options to assist Vinesh and to file a strong protest if it could benefit her case. On Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, her Olympic journey was cut short when she was disqualified for being overweight during Wednesday mornings weigh-in, exceeding her 50kg weight division by a few kilograms.“Yes, she has been disqualified. She weighed 100 grams over her weight in the mornings weigh-in. Our president Sanjay Singh is here and trying to make an appeal,” Indias national coach Virendra Singh Dahiya confirmed.Struggle to Meet Weight RequirementsAccording to the rules, wrestlers must weigh in on the morning of the preliminary rounds and again on the morning of the final. While Vinesh was within the 50kg limit on Tuesday, her weight increased throughout the day after three bouts. The Indian Express reported that she was two kilograms over her weight at night and did not sleep, trying various methods like jogging, skipping, and cycling to meet the eligibility criteria. Despite this setback, Prime Minister Modis message reflects the nations unwavering support for Vinesh Phogat. Her journey continues to inspire many, and there is collective hope that she will return stronger than ever.
