The hearts of 1.4 billion Indians broke when an injustice was meted out to a true champion. Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic wrestling finals, was on the brink of winning gold when she was disqualified due to a weight check failure. On Wednesday, during the final match, Vinesh was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit. This led to her disqualification by the Olympic and Wrestling Committees, a decision that has drawn severe criticism from India towards the International Olympic Committee.
Prime Minister Modi's Response
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his disappointment over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification through a tweet. He wrote, "Vinesh, you are a champion among champions. You are a source of pride and inspiration for every Indian. Today’s events are disheartening, but facing challenges is your nature. You must fight back with even greater strength."
Responding swiftly to the disqualification, PM Modi contacted PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association, to understand the situation better. He inquired about possible actions that could be taken following Vinesh's disqualification and advised PT Usha to lodge a protest if necessary.
Political and Public Outrage
The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat sparked uproar in the Lok Sabha, with opposition parties demanding a discussion on the matter. SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav called for an inquiry to uncover the truth behind Vinesh’s inability to compete in the finals. AAP MP Sanjay Singh remarked that the decision was an insult to the nation and asserted that the entire country stands with Phogat. He demanded immediate government intervention and suggested boycotting the Olympics if their demands are not addressed.
The government has announced that the Sports Minister will make a statement regarding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at 3 PM.
Vinesh Phogat's Health Concerns
Following the disqualification, Vinesh Phogat has reportedly fallen ill and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Paris. Officials revealed that she is suffering from dehydration. Reports suggest that Vinesh engaged in intense physical activities, including skipping, jogging, and cycling, throughout the night in an attempt to shed over a kilogram of weight.
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