‘Shocking, disturbing; should raise issue with IOC’: NCP leader Praful Patel on Vinesh Phogat disqualification

New Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): NCP leader Praful Patel raised the issue of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the women’s wrestling final at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday and said that it was both ‘shocking and disturbing’ and urged the Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association to address the issue strongly with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The NCP leader said that the disqualification of a player in the finals raises a big question mark on the way the IOC itself is operating and the way this entire Olympics is being conducted.

Speaking to ANI, NCP MP Praful Patel said, “It is very shocking and disturbing news that Vinesh Phogat, after having reached the finals, has now been disqualified. I have been associated with Fifa, which is one of the highest footballing bodies in the world. All sports federations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), cannot have these kinds of yardsticks.”

“If some player has entered the tournament, all these tests should have been done before. 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,” said Patel.

Adding further, he said, “This itself puts 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 from the wrestling arena, grappler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event for breaching the 50 kg weight mark. Vinesh was scheduled to take on the United States’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match today.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled Vinesh after she was disqualified from the competition.

“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 on challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the PM said in a post on X.

As per sources, the Prime Minister spoke to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) 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.

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 contest after beating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, India can continue to hope for medals in the athletics arena. Athlete Avinash Sable will be taking part in the 3000-meter steeplechase final on Thursday.

Mirabai Chanu will also be in action tonight, where she will be seen competing in the women’s 49 KG category in weightlifting.

Wrestler Antim Panghal will play her Round of 16 bout in the Women’s Freestyle 53 KG category later on Wednesday. India has won 3 medals so far at the Paris Olympics, all in the shooting competition.