India’s star wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, has been disqualified from the 2024 Paris Olympics for weighing slightly over the limit in her 50kg freestyle wrestling category. Vinesh, who usually competes in the 53kg category, had reduced her weight for the Olympics. However, during the second-day weigh-in, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit.
Despite her best efforts, including skipping meals and staying awake all night to make weight, Vinesh could not meet the required limit. The Indian Olympic Association has filed an appeal against the disqualification, but the rules are strict and do not allow exceptions, even for such a small margin.
According to NDTC, Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. She defeated formidable opponents, including Japan’s Yui Susaki and Ukraine’s Oksana Livach, to secure a spot in the semifinals. Her journey was marked by determination and grit, leading her to a historic semifinal victory against Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.
However, on Tuesday morning, Vinesh’s dreams and those of millions of Indians were crushed by the weigh-in result. She was on track for a medal but now returns home empty-handed. The Indian Olympic Association’s appeal is ongoing, but as of now, Vinesh’s Olympic journey has come to an abrupt end.