Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: Hema Malini Says ‘Lesson For All Women’, Swara Bhasker Questions Disqualification

The Paris Olympics 2024 has been a roller-coaster ride for Indian athletes, filled with moments of triumph and despair. One of the most unexpected and heartbreaking incidents occurred on Wednesday when Vinesh Phogat, a star Indian wrestler, was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final for being overweight. This disqualification not only dashed her hopes for a gold medal but also stirred a significant reaction from fans and celebrities alike. Here’s a detailed account of what happened and the aftermath of this shocking development.

The Disqualification: What Went Wrong?

An Unprecedented Achievement Turns into Despair

Vinesh Phogat was on the cusp of making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to secure a gold medal at the Olympics. She had already created waves by reaching the gold medal bout, defeating defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in a remarkable display of skill and determination. However, just hours before the final match, Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight.

An Indian coach shared with PTI, “She was found overweight by 100 grams this morning. The rules do not allow this, and she has been disqualified.” This slight overage led to her immediate disqualification, relegating her to the bottom of the final standings according to international wrestling rules.

Celebrity Reactions: A Wave of Support and Shock

Bollywood’s Response

The news of Vinesh’s disqualification spread quickly, eliciting a wave of reactions from Bollywood celebrities. Actress Swara Bhasker expressed disbelief in a tweet, “Who believes this 100 grams overweight story??? (Heartbreak emoji).” This sentiment of disbelief and heartbreak was echoed by many.

Huma Qureshi took to X (formerly Twitter), pleading for a solution, “Please tell me something can be done (see-no-evil monkey emoji). They have to let her fight @Phogat_Vinesh @Olympics @OGQ_India @IndianOlympians.”

Veteran actress and politician Hema Malini told PTI, “It is very surprising, and it feels strange that she was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight. It is important to keep the weight in check. It is a lesson for all of us. I wish she should lose that 100 gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity.”

On Instagram, Taapsee Pannu shared a news article about the incident and added, “This is heartbreaking, but honestly, this woman has already made her mark beyond gold by now! @vineshphogat (red heart emoji).”

Vinesh Phogat’s Journey: From Triumph to Tragedy

A Night to Remember

On Tuesday night, Vinesh Phogat achieved a milestone by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category. This historic moment was celebrated by millions of Indians who saw in her the promise of an Olympic gold.

Morning of Disqualification

However, the joy was short-lived. By Wednesday morning, Vinesh Phogat faced an unexpected challenge – she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit for her category. Despite the team’s best efforts through the night to ensure she met the weight requirement, the marginal overage led to her disqualification. This ruling, as per international wrestling regulations, left no room for appeal or compromise.

Indian Olympic Association’s Statement

A Request for Privacy

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the disqualification and requested privacy for Vinesh. “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat 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 IOA stated.

The statement added, “No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”

The Weight of 100 Grams: Understanding the Rules

Strict Regulations

In the world of competitive wrestling, weight categories are strictly enforced. Any deviation, even as small as 100 grams, results in severe penalties, including disqualification. This stringent rule ensures a level playing field but also leaves no margin for error, as seen in Vinesh’s case.

A Harsh Reality

For athletes who train rigorously and monitor their weight meticulously, missing the mark by such a small margin can be devastating. Vinesh’s disqualification serves as a harsh reminder of the unforgiving nature of Olympic competition, where every gram counts.

The Road Ahead for Vinesh Phogat

Reflecting on the Journey

Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Paris Olympics was marked by immense hard work, determination, and resilience. Her disqualification, while a significant setback, does not diminish her achievements or her potential for future success.

A Message of Resilience

As Taapsee Pannu aptly noted, Vinesh has already made her mark beyond gold. Her journey continues, and this incident, while heartbreaking, is just another chapter in her illustrious career. The support from celebrities, fans, and fellow athletes will undoubtedly provide her with the strength to bounce back and aim for greater heights.

 A Heartbreaking Lesson

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics 2024 for being 100 grams overweight is a poignant reminder of the thin line between victory and defeat in sports. While the incident has left her without a medal, the overwhelming support and recognition of her efforts underscore the impact she has made. Vinesh’s journey, filled with both triumphs and setbacks, continues to inspire, and her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a testament to her indomitable spirit.

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