From the film fraternity to political leaders across the country consoled Wrestler Vinesh Phogat after her disqualification from the final of the 2024 Olympics, while the Congress questioned the involvement of “sports politics” in it.

Vinesh was scheduled to take on the United States’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match. A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent said that Phogat had tipped the scales above the 50 kg mark and was disqualified.
The Congress party came out heavily against the Bharatiya Janata Party after the disqualification of Indian grappler Vinesh, and said Vinesh didn’t fail in the wrestling match but became a victim of “sports politics”.
Launching a scathing attack on the Centre, Surjewala said “some people” are avoiding even tweeting about Vinesh’s victory in the semi-final as she’s the same player who protested at Jantar Mantar against “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s favourite Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.”
“Some people were avoiding to tweet about her victory in the semi-finals. This is because this is the same Vinesh Phogat who raised her voice against PM Modi’s favourite Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In 2023, she raised her voice against the physical, and mental torture against the PM’s favourite Brij Bhushan. This is the same Vinesh Phogat who protested at Jantar Mantar. This is the same Vinesh Phogat against whom BJP filed an FIR,” Surjewala added.
The Congress leader further questioned the “silence” of the Wrestling Federation of India on the matter and said the country wants answers to these questions.
Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda said that wrestler Vinesh Phogat made it to the finals when athletes around the world were practicing on wrestling mats and asked where and how did things go wrong?
Speaking to ANI, Deepender Singh Hooda said, “The entire country is in shock and has many questions on the matter. Our daughter had worked so hard to reach the finals. When athletes around the world were practicing on wrestling mats, she was sitting in protest to seek justice for Indian women in wrestling. She still made it to the finals.”
“Where and how did things go wrong? Is the administration not responsible for this? Her weight was fine in all three bouts yesterday. Has the IOA taken up this issue with the IOC?” questioned Hooda.
Olympic bronze medallist Sakshi Malik stated that she is ‘worried’ about Vinesh Phogat following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics.
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole said that the intention with which Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics is “sports politics”, adding that there should be talks on a bigger level.
“This is international-level politics. Vinesh Phogat was very close to winning a gold medal for the country. The intention with which she has been removed is sports politics. The way she has been removed, it is painful for the country. More than a tweet, there should be talks on a bigger level and Vinesh Phogat should get a chance to play,” Patole said.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raised questions about the members of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) after Vinesh Phogat tipped the scales above the 50 kg mark and was disqualified.
“I don’t want to connect with this politics. But please tell me, have the members of the Indian Olympic Association gone there on holiday? Indian Olympic Association did not object to this even once. There was no tweet (from PM Modi) when she (Vinesh Phogat) reached the final, but a tweet was posted when she was disqualified. Come on!” Bhagwant Mann told reporters.
“To check her weight was the work of her coaches and physiotherapists. Now, the decision has come. This injustice should have been stopped. Did they (The Centre) fix anyone’s accountability at the time when our women wrestlers went to immerse their medals in the river. Such mistakes are happening on such a high level. Coaches and physiotherapists are paid in lakhs. Have they gone there for holidays?” he added.
INDIA Bloc MPs staged a protest at Parliament on Wednesday to seek justice for wrestler Vinesh Phogat following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 hours before the final.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin consoled Vinesh and said that though you missed a medal, you’ve won the hearts of everyone with your incredible determination.
“Vinesh, you are a true champion in ‘every’ sense. Your resilience, strength, and remarkable journey to the finals have inspired millions of Indian daughters. Disqualification over a few grams cannot diminish your spirit and achievements. Though you missed a medal, you have won the hearts of everyone with your incredible determination,” Stalin said in a post on X.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister termed Vinesh a champion among champions.
“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 challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the Prime Minister said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended his support to Vinesh Phogat and said that Phogat’s setback in the Olympics has certainly broken the hopes of millions of Indians.
“Vinesh Phogat’s setback in the Olympics has certainly broken the hopes of millions of Indians. She has a brilliant sporting career, shining with the glory of defeating the world champion. This misfortune is merely an exception in her trailblazing career, from which I am sure she will bounce back to be the winner she always is. Our best wishes and support are always with her,” Shah posted on X.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh said that it is extremely “unfortunate” for our country that even after wrestling so well and qualifying for the Finals, Vinesh was disqualified for being overweight by 100 grams.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Phogat’s excellent performance in the Paris Olympics 2024 has illuminated India.
“Vinesh Phogat ji, you are a pride, a winner, and a champion for all Indians. Don’t be disappointed…Your excellent performance in the Paris Olympics 2024 has illuminated India. Not just hope, but complete confidence that you will soon return to the field stronger than before. The whole country stands with you,” CM Yogi posted on X.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that every Indian is proud of Vinesh Phogat’s performance
NCP MP Praful Patel said that it is very shocking and disturbing news that Vinesh has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics.
Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi hoped that the Indian Olympic Association would strongly challenge the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat and provide justice to the daughter of the country.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that the whole nation stands by wrestler Vinesh Phogat.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Wednesday that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW) after Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being “overweight” in the 50 kg category.
Making a statement in Lok Sabha, the minister listed the steps the government took to support her preparation. The members earlier voiced their concern over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification ahead of her gold medal bout at the Olympics.
Members of the Indian film industry have extended their support to wrestler Vinesh Phogat.
Actress Taapsee Pannu took to Instagram to express her support, writing, “This is heartbreaking but honestly this woman has already made her mark beyond gold by now! @vineshphogat.”
Bhumi Pednekar also shared her sentiments on Instagram, stating, “You are and will always be a winner @vineshphogat Itni jaan aur himmat bahut kam mein hoti hai,” highlighting Phogat’s courage and strength.
Rakul Preet Singh, shared her feelings on Instagram Stories, simply noting, “Heartbreaking,” accompanied by a broken heart emoticon.
Taking to her Instagram handle, Zoya Akhtar hailed Vinesh Phogat as a champion and sent an empowering message for her despite the setback. ”
“Champion @vineshphogat You are gold! What you have achieved is beyond medals. So proud. So inspired,” she wrote.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha on Wednesday provided an update on the Indian grappler’s health and said that she is physically and medically doing fine.
The Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent, Dinshaw Pardiwala, opened up on Wednesday, about the measures taken to reduce Vinesh Phogat’s weight and said that they had to take some “drastic measures,” like cutting off her hair.
He said the whole team was awake whole night trying to reduce Vinesh’s weight, and had they got a few hours more, they would have achieved the required weight category.
Phogat’s uncle and former wrestler, Mahavir Singh Phogat, expressed his disappointment and said if a wrestler is overweight by 50-100 grams, they are usually allowed to play.
Mahavir Phogat also broke down, as India’s chances of laying hands on the fourth medal of this Olympics were shattered by Vinesh’s disqualification.
Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Munawwar Hasan said today, “The government should tell what were the circumstances at the time and what the Indian Olympic Association did to encourage her. The government is accountable as this is a serious matter.”
BJP MP Tejasvi Surya said, “We all have seen how athletes dedicate their entire life, day in and day out, to reach where they want to reach. To miss a sure-shot Olympic medal is gut-wrenching. I don’t know how she must be going through what she is going through now. We are all extremely proud of her achievements. She will always be a champion in the eyes of a billion Indias.”
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee said on X that the government and opposition should find a way to form a consensus and either award VINESH PHOGAT the BHARAT RATNA or nominate her to a President-nominated RS seat, acknowledging the extraordinary mettle she has demonstrated.
“This is the least we can do for her, considering the immense struggle she has faced. No medal can fully reflect her true mettle,” he said on X.-ANI