On August 12, Vinesh Phogat faced a major setback when she was disqualified from the Women’s wrestling finals at the Paris Olympics for being overweight. “She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified,” an Indian coach told PTI. Phogat was set to compete for gold against America’s Sarah Hildebrandt. Following this controversial disqualification, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intervened, raising questions about Hildebrandt’s gold medal. The wrestling community now watches closely as the situation unfolds.

Taking this shocking news to X, IANS, India’s largest independent news agency, reported the reaction from Delhi. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary expressed his dismay, “We are deeply saddened. She has worked really hard to reach there… the whole nation is with her; Prime Minister has also taken note of the situation.” Vinesh Phogat was set to compete for gold in the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024, having already earned a silver medal for India. However, due to the competition rules, Phogat’s disqualification means she’s also out of contention for the silver. Only the gold and bronze medals in the 50 kg category will be awarded.

The Indian Olympic Association confirmed the news and requested privacy for Phogat, who is competing in her third Olympics. The IOA stated, “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification 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 disqualification has sparked a wave of disappointment and concern, both within India and internationally. 

In response to Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked IOA President PT Usha to review the situation thoroughly. Sources say Modi requested detailed information from Usha about the circumstances and urged her to explore all possible options to address the issue. He also advised Usha to file a strong protest against Phogat’s disqualification if it could support her case. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s 50kg wrestling event.

In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), Modi shared his support, stating, “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts.” He added that he wished he could fully convey his despair but also emphasized Phogat’s resilience. Modi encouraged her, saying, “It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you.” 

Not only the Prime Minister of India but also prominent figures like American wrestler Jordan Burroughs posted about the situation on X. Burroughs shared a long caption, saying, “Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world-class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final.” Burroughs’ post sheds light on the extreme measures taken by Vinesh’s team. From drawing out blood to cutting her hair, they tried everything, but she couldn’t lose the last 100 grams.

She weighed 49.90 kg on Tuesday morning before her first-round bout. After a small meal, her weight bounced back to 53 kg. Last night was tough for her; she didn’t sleep, barely ate, and spent hours in the sauna. Despite all efforts, she weighed 50.1 kg, just 0.1 kg over the limit. Jordan also posted that earlier, Vinesh had been India’s first-ever female Olympic finalist, guaranteed at least a silver. Now, she returns home without a medal. She looked amazing this week and deserved to be on that podium. God bless her and all she’ll endure moving forward.

Justin Basch, a prominent wrestling news figure in America, also posted about Vinesh’s ordeal. He added, “I can’t get over the IOC’s delusional logic that: Vinesh doesn’t get a silver medal despite what she did yesterday, AND, someone who LOST yesterday fair and square, now gets to go let it fly in the finals. What a slap in the face to so many.”  Then, as per rule of the Olympics, she had to step back with no medals. With Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, the medal standings have shifted. USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt will take the gold medal, while Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom Phogat defeated in the semifinals, will receive the bronze. The silver medal spot will remain vacant because of Phogat’s disqualification.

Building on legacy: Vinesh Phogat’s remarkable journey

Vinesh Phogat boasts many titles. She won gold in the 2018 Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. She’s also a two-time Asian Championship gold medalist and a three-time Commonwealth gold medalist. In 2019, she secured bronze at the prestigious World Wrestling Championship. In 2023, Vinesh faced many obstacles. She protested against the National Wrestling Federation chief, endured harsh conditions on New Delhi’s pavements for 40 days, clashed with police, and had knee surgery. Despite these challenges, Vinesh and other wrestlers rallied at Jantar Mantar on January 18 to protest against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

Her career was nearly derailed by an ACL tear at the 2016 Rio Olympics, but her resilience led to a strong comeback. “Dream of an olympic medal keeps me going,” said Vinesh Phogat to the Olympics.com as she tried her level best to get into the Paris Olympics. This two-time Olympian and World Championship medalist earned a spot on the Indian squad headed to the World Olympic qualifiers in Bishkek by beating her opponents at the domestic trials held in Patiala, Punjab. Her victory in the finale against Shivani, which she took by a score of 11-6 in the women’s 50kg category, secured her position as India’s representative in the Olympics.

Earlier, Vinesh Phogat was a dominator in the 53 kg category. But, later, at 29 years old, she made a bold move and decided to compete in the 50 kg category just to fulfill her Olympic dream. Finally, she showed the massive win of her career by defeating the three-time world champion, Yui Susaki. With her strategic bout, she managed to keep Yui behind and got into the finals with a 3-2 score. But, her dream shattered before her eyes after her disqualification from the Olympics.