What Happened to Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics 2024?
On August 6, 2024, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 women’s wrestling finals. She was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit for the 50kg weight category. Earlier that day, Phogat had successfully defeated Yui Susaki of Japan in the semifinals, meeting the weight limit requirements. However, her weight checks just before the final revealed the excess, leading to her disqualification.
As a result, Yui Susaki, whom Phogat had defeated, was reinstated for the final. Sarah Hildebrandt from the USA eventually won the gold medal in the final match. Phogat’s disqualification was announced just before the final bout, which affected the competition’s dynamics.
Reactions to Vinesh Phogat News
The wrestling community has expressed sympathy for Vinesh Phogat, acknowledging the harshness of the two-day weigh-in process. Coaches and past champions have commented that the intense training and dieting could have contributed to Phogat’s weight issue. Many feels that the rules might need reconsideration to account for such challenges.
Phogat, who hails from the renowned Phogat family, has had a distinguished career with two Olympic appearances and multiple medals in various championships. Her sudden disqualification has brought a premature end to what was expected to be a triumphant moment in her career.
Vinesh Phogat’s Retirement and Appeals
On August 8, 2024, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling through social media. She expressed her deep disappointment and gratitude to her supporters, ending a career that began in 2001.
माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏
आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏
Following her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to review the decision. Initially, their request to compete for the gold medal was denied, but a subsequent appeal for a silver medal was accepted. The CAS is expected to announce its decision on August 9. Senior advocate Harish Salve is representing the IOA in this case.
Phogat’s team argues that the additional 100 grams could be attributed to natural bodily fluctuations rather than intentional weight gain. They believe that this minor excess should not disqualify her from receiving a medal.
Final Thoughts
The situation surrounding Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics 2024 has garnered significant attention. Opinions are divided on whether the disqualification was fair or overly strict. With the CAS decision pending, the outcome will determine if India can still claim a silver medal in wrestling and how Phogat’s career will be remembered.
