“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.” PM Modi said in a tweet.
“At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience.It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you”, he added.
PM Modi reached out to Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha to gather firsthand information about Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event at the ongoing Olympics. The Prime Minister sought PT Usha’s insights on the available options for India in light of this setback.
The Prime Minister urged the IOA President to explore all possible avenues to support Vinesh’s case. He also encouraged PT Usha to lodge a strong protest against the disqualification if it could potentially benefit Vinesh’s situation, according to sources.
The disqualification came as a significant blow to India’s medal aspirations in wrestling. Vinesh Phogat, who was set to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States in the Gold Medal match, was disqualified after weighing in slightly above the 50 kg limit. The Indian Olympic contingent issued a statement confirming the unfortunate news.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” the statement read.
Vinesh Phogat had secured her place in the Gold Medal bout after an impressive 5-0 victory over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.