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Major Blow For India: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Paris Olympics

India's hopes have suffered a major setback in Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh Phogat has been declared disqualified in Paris Olympics. She had reached the final of 50 kg wrestling. 

Her weight was found to be slightly overweight in the 50 kg category on the second day of the event. Vinesh had a chance to win the gold medal, but now she missed the silver medal as well.

29-year-old Vinesh has been disqualified in 50 kg wrestling. When Vinesh's weight increased a bit, she also tried to reduce it. Since the gold medal event was to be held today (7 August), but it turned out to be too much. 

An Indian coach said, "In the morning his weight was found to be 100 grams more. The rules do not allow this and he has been disqualified."

After Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics, it was told that her weight did not match 50 kg. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) also gave an update regarding this.

IOA said- It is regrettable that the Indian team shares the news of Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the women's wrestling 50 kg category. Despite the best efforts made by the team overnight, this morning her weight was a few grams more than 50 kg. No further comment will be made by the team at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh's privacy.

After Indian star wrestler Vinesh Phogat reached the final, it was believed that she would win the gold medal. Vinesh Phogat defeated Cuban wrestler Yusneylys Guzman 5-0 in the semi-finals of the women's 50 kg freestyle event on Tuesday. 

Vinesh was to face USA 
's Ann Sarah Hildebrandt in the final on Wednesday (August 7). Earlier, she defeated Olympic champion and four-time world champion Yui Susaki in 50 kg in the pre-quarterfinals.

World Championship bronze medalist and Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Asian Championship gold medalist, Vinesh is one of the most successful Indian wrestlers in history, but her dream was shattered after she was disqualified from the Olympics. 

One of the famous Phogat sisters, Vinesh made her Olympic debut in the women's 48 kg freestyle category at Rio 2016, but had to withdraw from the quarterfinal due to a serious knee injury. Vinesh, who was considered a strong contender for victory in the women's 53 kg quarterfinal at Tokyo 2020, once again had to face defeat in the quarterfinal. She was disqualified in the Paris Olympics as well because she was overweight.

Encouraging Vinesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that she is the pride of India and she has to come back strongly.

He wrote on Instagram, 'Vinesh you are a champion among champions. You are the pride of India and an inspiration for every Indian.' 

He further wrote, 'Today's setback has hurt me. I wish I could put into words how sad I am right now. But I know you will bounce back. It is in your nature to face challenges boldly. Come back strongly. We are all with you.'

Being disqualified means that she will have to return empty-hand from the Games because under international rules, if a wrestler is found overweight, he/she finishes last in the final table