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In a devastating turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, India’s hopes for a gold medal in women’s wrestling suffered a major blow as Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg final due to a weight discrepancy. The 29-year-old wrestler, who had shown remarkable promise and determination throughout the tournament, was found to be 100 grams overweight during the crucial weigh-in on the final day.
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification marks a heartbreaking end to her Olympic journey. The athlete’s team had made every effort to ensure she met the weight requirements, working tirelessly into the night before the final weigh-in. However, their efforts fell short, as Phogat weighed in just a few grams over the 50kg limit on Wednesday morning. This minor yet significant breach of the weight limit has resulted in the wrestler being declared ineligible to compete further in the tournament.
According to the regulations set forth by the world wrestling body, any wrestler who fails to make weight is automatically given the last place in their category, with no further recourse to appeal or overturn the decision. This stringent rule has led to the unfortunate reality that Vinesh Phogat will return home from Paris without a medal.
Heartbreak at Paris 2024: Vinesh Phogat Misses Weight, Disqualified
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has issued a statement expressing their regret over the disqualification. “The Indian team regrets to announce that Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Women’s 50kg wrestling final. Despite the team’s best efforts to get her weight right overnight, she was a few grams over the limit this morning. The team will not comment further and asks for privacy for Vinesh as they focus on the rest of the competitions,” the IOA stated.
The disqualification not only represents a personal setback for Phogat but also a significant disappointment for Indian wrestling and the entire country, which had high hopes for her performance in Paris. Vinesh Phogat had been a leading contender for a medal, and her unexpected exit from the final will undoubtedly cast a shadow over the Indian contingent’s achievements at these Olympics.
As the wrestling competitions continue, the Indian team and its supporters will have to grapple with this setback while trying to find solace and strength in the remaining events. The focus will now shift to the ongoing competitions and the performances of other athletes, as the nation hopes for a brighter outcome in the days to come.
