Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from 2024 Olympics: Reactions from Across India
New Delhi, India – Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the final of the 2024 Olympics due to being slightly over the 50 kg weight limit. She was set to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt from the United States for the gold medal.
Political Reactions
The Congress party criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging ‘sports politics’ behind Vinesh’s disqualification. Congress leader Surjewala claimed that Vinesh’s previous protests against BJP’s Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh might have influenced the decision. Deepender Singh Hooda questioned the Indian Olympic Association’s (IOA) role and asked if the administration was responsible for the oversight.
Support from Leaders
Many political leaders expressed their support for Vinesh. Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole called the disqualification ‘sports politics’ and urged for higher-level discussions. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the IOA and questioned the accountability of coaches and physiotherapists. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised Vinesh’s determination, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her a ‘champion among champions’ and encouraged her to come back stronger.
Sports Community and Public Reactions
Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik expressed her concern for Vinesh. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh called the disqualification ‘unfortunate.’ Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also extended their support, highlighting Vinesh’s achievements and resilience.
Film Industry Reactions
Members of the Indian film industry also showed their support. Actresses Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Rakul Preet Singh, and Zoya Akhtar praised Vinesh’s courage and strength on social media.
Medical and Family Reactions
PT Usha, president of the IOA, confirmed that Vinesh is physically and medically fine. The Chief Medical Officer, Dinshaw Pardiwala, revealed that drastic measures, including cutting her hair, were taken to reduce her weight. Vinesh’s uncle, Mahavir Singh Phogat, expressed his disappointment, noting that wrestlers are usually allowed to compete if slightly overweight.
Calls for Accountability
Various political figures, including Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Munawwar Hasan and BJP MP Tejasvi Surya, called for accountability and expressed pride in Vinesh’s achievements. TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee suggested awarding Vinesh the Bharat Ratna or nominating her to a President-nominated RS seat to acknowledge her struggles and achievements.
Doubts Revealed
Vinesh Phogat -: Vinesh Phogat is a famous Indian wrestler who has won many medals for India in international competitions.
2024 Olympics -: The 2024 Olympics is a big sports event where athletes from all over the world compete in different sports. It will be held in Paris, France.
disqualified -: Disqualified means that Vinesh Phogat is not allowed to compete in the 2024 Olympics because she did not meet the rules, in this case, the weight limit.
50 kg weight limit -: In wrestling, athletes compete in different weight categories. Vinesh Phogat was supposed to be under 50 kg, but she was slightly over this limit.
Congress party -: The Congress party is one of the major political parties in India.
BJP -: BJP stands for Bharatiya Janata Party, which is another major political party in India and is currently in power.
sports politics -: Sports politics refers to the idea that political parties might be influencing sports decisions for their own benefit.
Prime Minister Modi -: Prime Minister Modi is the current Prime Minister of India. His full name is Narendra Modi.
sports community -: The sports community includes athletes, coaches, and other people involved in sports.
film industry -: The film industry refers to people who make movies, like actors, directors, and producers.
medical officials -: Medical officials are doctors and other healthcare professionals who take care of athletes’ health.
drastic measures -: Drastic measures mean very extreme actions were taken to try to reduce Vinesh Phogat’s weight quickly.
accountability -: Accountability means making sure that people are responsible for their actions and decisions.
public figures -: Public figures are well-known people, like celebrities, politicians, and athletes, who have a lot of influence.
