Can Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification be overturned? PM Modi urges IOA to explore all options

New Delhi: After Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being slightly overweight on the morning ahead of her gold medal match, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), urging them to explore all options to appeal against the decision. Vinesh was scheduled to take on USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category.

The 29-year-old was one win away from scripting history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Olympics. However, the three-time Olympian’s dreams were left shattered after she failed the weigh-in ahead of her gold medal bout on Wednesday morning. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, Vinesh will now return home without a medal from Paris having been disqualified.

After the news left millions of Indians heartbroken, PM Modi reportedly requested the IOA to explore all possible ways to challenge the International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s decision. As per NDTV, PM Modi personally spoke to IOA chief PT Usha on a phone call to get first-hand information on the situation and suggested she take all possible action in appealing against Vinesh’s disqualification.

PM Modi asked PT Usha to exhaust all options in supporting Vinesh’s case, including launching a strong protest against the decision if needed. PM Modi also took to Twitter to send a heartfelt message to Vinesh and console her. Calling her a champion among champions, PM Modi said he couldn’t express in words the despair he is facing.

“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. 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,” PM Modi said in a tweet.

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.

At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024

While PM Modi’s quick intervention in the matter has rekindled hopes of IOC’s decision to disqualify Vinesh getting revoked, the chances are still slim. There is little room for negotiation when an athlete fails a weigh-in which is considered a basic standard.

IOC confirms Yusneylis Guzman to fight for gold medal

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already confirmed that Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman, who Vinesh beat in the semi-final, will now face USA’s Sarath Hildebrandt in the gold medal match in the women’s 50kg freestyle category. Vinesh will return home without any medal despite enjoying a sensational run in Paris.

Vinesh kicked off her campaign in style with a stunning victory against 4-time world champion and defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki in pre-quarters before beating Oksana Livach in the quarter-final. Vinesh then got the better of Guzman in the semi-final to secure a spot in the final, becoming the first Indian female wrestler to do so.

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 Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha, urging her to explore all options in challeging Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh was disqualified from her final in the 50kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympics for being overweight.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today