INDIA Bloc MPs stage protest at Parliament seeking justice for Wrestler Vinesh Phogat

New Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): INDIA Bloc MPs staged a protest at Parliament on Wednesday to seek justice for wrestler Vinesh Phogat following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 hours before the final.

The MPs held the protest at Makar Dwar in Parliament.

NCP MP Praful Patel said, “It is very shocking and disturbing news that she has been disqualified… All sports federations including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cannot have these kinds of yardsticks… How can you disqualify someone at the final stage? This is shocking and surprising. The Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association should take this up strongly with the IOC and put a big question mark on the way the IOC itself is operating and the way this entire Olympics is being conducted.”

In a big blow to India’s medal hopes in the wrestling arena, grappler Vinesh Phogat was earlier today disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event.

Vinesh was scheduled to take on United States’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match. A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent said that 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 Gold Medal bout after beating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.

Former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda said, “This is a very unfortunate decision. Vinesh is a very good player and she has earned a name for herself in the world. It should be challenged…It should be investigated and I feel that some conspiracy has been hatched.”

Earlier, PM Modi consoled Vinesh Phogat.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister termed Vinesh a champion among champions.

“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,” the Prime Minister said.

As per sources, the Prime Minister spoke to Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha and sought firsthand information from PT Usha on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh’s setback.

The Prime Minister asked the IOA President to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case.

He also urged PT Usha to file a strong protest regarding her disqualification if that helps Vinesh, the sources said.

President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) PT Usha said, “Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic village polyclinic a short while ago and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India and the whole country. We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation Of India has appealed to UWW & it is following this up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night so that she could meet the competition requirements.”

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya spoke in Parliament on the issue of disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from Paris Olympics2024.

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… The government provided every facility to her including personal staff.”