Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris Olympics for Being Overweight
New Delhi [India], August 7: Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Wednesday that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW) after Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being overweight in the 50 kg category.
In a statement made in Lok Sabha, the minister detailed the steps taken by the government to support her preparation. Members had earlier expressed concern over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification ahead of her gold medal bout at the Olympics.
Mandaviya mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha, who is in Paris, and asked her to take necessary action. He said, ‘Today her weight was found 50 kg 100 grams and she was disqualified. The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW). IOA President PT Usha is in Paris, the Prime Minister spoke to her and asked her to take necessary action,’ adding that the government provided every facility to her including personal staff.
Earlier, amid din in the House over her disqualification, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal stated that the Sports Minister would make a statement. A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent said that Vinesh Phogat had tipped the scales above the 50 kg mark and was disqualified.
‘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 entered the Olympic final after beating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night. After Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez will be competing for the gold against the United States’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
Doubts Revealed
Vinesh Phogat -: Vinesh Phogat is a famous Indian wrestler. She has won many medals for India in wrestling competitions.
Paris Olympics -: The Paris Olympics is a big sports event that will happen in Paris, France. Athletes from all over the world compete in different sports.
Overweight -: In sports like wrestling, athletes need to be in a certain weight category. If they weigh more than allowed, they can’t compete in that category.
Union Sports Minister -: The Union Sports Minister is a person in the Indian government who looks after sports and athletes in India. Right now, it is Mansukh Mandaviya.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) -: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is a group that helps Indian athletes take part in the Olympics and other big sports events.
United World Wrestling (UWW) -: United World Wrestling (UWW) is the group that manages wrestling competitions all over the world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the leader of the country and makes important decisions.
PT Usha -: PT Usha is a famous Indian athlete who used to run very fast. Now, she helps other athletes as the President of the Indian Olympic Association.
Yusneylis Guzman Lopez -: Yusneylis Guzman Lopez is a wrestler from Cuba. She competed against Vinesh Phogat in the wrestling match.
