Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification at Paris Olympics 2024 Stuns India

India's ace grappler Vinesh Phogat, on the cusp of ultimate glory at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, was disqualified just hours before the final. Competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, Vinesh was found 100 grams over the weight limit. Usually competing in the 53 kg category, she had brought her weight down to 50 kg for the Paris Olympics. On Day 2 of her weigh-in, the slight overage led to her disqualification. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed her disqualification.

Vinesh reportedly discovered the previous night that her weight had increased by 1 kg. In a desperate attempt to shed the extra weight, she endured a grueling night of cycling and other exercises, losing 900 grams. Sources indicate she did not sleep, striving to meet the weight requirement before the competition.

Following the weigh-in, Indian officials requested more time from the Olympics committee, but there was “very little elbow room for negotiation,” sources said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his disappointment but praised Vinesh's resilience in an encouraging post. He spoke to IOA president PT Usha, directing her to file a strong protest and suggesting that India explore all appeal options.

Vinesh Phogat made history as the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games. Her disqualification on the verge of securing a gold or silver medal left India in shock. Though assured of a silver, her disqualification means she will not win any medal in the Paris Games.

Vinesh's journey in the Paris Games was remarkable. Her first bout was against Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, an undefeated four-time world Olympic champion. In a stunning upset, Vinesh defeated Susaki. She then bested Oksana Livach of Ukraine to secure a berth in the semi-finals of the women's 50 kg freestyle event. With tears of joy, she outmuscled Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals, confirming a medal and becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final.

However, Tuesday morning brought heartbreak for Vinesh Phogat and a billion Indians.