In Heartbreaking Twist Vinesh Phogat Disqualified for 150gm Before Match for Olympic Gold

In a shocking twist of fate, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 ahead of the final match for gold medal on Wednesday in the Women’s 50kg category. She was disqualified by the event organisers for being around 150 grams overweight on the morning of her gold medal match against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.

Minutes after wrestler Vinesh Phogat crashed out of Paris Olympics for being overweight by just 100 gm, Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted a social media message, asking the wrestler to not lose hope and come back stronger.

Vinesh was earlier competing in the 53kg category. She had reduced her weight to compete in the 50kg category. Vinesh made the weight on Day 1.

However, as per the rules, a wrestler must meet the weight limit on both the days. As a result, Vinesh won’t be eligible for even a silver. Now the 50kg event will only have a gold and two bronze medals. Neither Vinesh nor the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) can make an appeal against the verdict.

As per reports, Vinesh didn’t sleep the whole night and did everything in her capacity to meet the weight criteria.

Vinesh had defied the odds to become the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event at the Olympics.

In the semifinals, Vinesh defeated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez to become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final at the Olympics.