No outcry over Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi's disqualification? Is Vinesh Phogat's case unnecessary hype?

In a surprising turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, India's Vinesh Phogat was not the only athlete disqualified from competing due to weight issues. Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi also faced a similar setback, barring her from participating in the women's freestyle wrestling finals.

Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi disqualified

Emanuela Liuzzi, a 24-year-old wrestler from Campania, was disqualified from the competition after exceeding the 50kg weight limit. Liuzzi, who secured a last-minute spot in the Games following the withdrawal of North Korea's Kim Sonhyang, was set to make her Olympic debut in the round of 16. However, her Olympic dreams were cut short when she failed to meet the weight requirement.

Vinesh Phogat's heartbreaking exit

Similarly, India's Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification after exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams. Phogat, who had been preparing for the gold medal bout, worked tirelessly through the night in an attempt to shed the excess weight. Despite her efforts, she was unable to make the cut and was subsequently hospitalized due to dehydration. The disqualification was a crushing blow for Phogat, who later announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday.

Reactions differ: Italy vs India

While Phogat's disqualification sparked a wave of controversy in India, with political figures and netizens expressing outrage, the response in Italy has been notably different. Italian media and the public have taken the news of Liuzzi's disqualification in stride, with little outcry or political involvement. In contrast, India's political leaders, including members of the Opposition, have criticized the ruling BJP, Prime Minister Modi, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for their handling of Phogat's situation.

The contrasting reactions highlight the different ways in which sports controversies are perceived and handled in various countries, with Italy showing a more measured response compared to the fervor in India.

Vinesh has announced her retirement. India's opposition says Vinesh's campaign was sabotaged:
Some facts:
1. Not just Vinesh but Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi was also disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she was found overweight. But we didn't hear Italy's opposition playing… pic.twitter.com/bVO9krnD22

— Abhay 🍕 (@KaunHaiAbhay) August 8, 2024

According to the logic of @BajrangPunia @zoo_bear @prakashraaj @ajitanjum it's Modi ji who is behind the disqualification of Emanuela Liuzzi 🤧🤧🤧#Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/iKhqKuDZct

— 🇮🇳 Indrani 🇮🇳 (@Anti_Congressi) August 8, 2024

Vinesh has announced her retirement. India's opposition says Vinesh's campaign was sabotaged:
Some facts:
1. Not just Vinesh but Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi was also disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she was found overweight. But we didn't hear Italy's opposition playing… pic.twitter.com/IpAF38NeOy

— Rudresh (@rudresh_11) August 8, 2024

Now the left wing will declare Bajrang Punia an BJP IT cell member.

How shamelessly @ajitanjum putting words in his mouth. Vulture! pic.twitter.com/m0SUig2CR0

— BALA (@erbmjha) August 7, 2024