Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who made history by reaching the final of the 50kg category at the Paris Olympics, has been disqualified for being overweight ahead of the second day of competition.
Phogat’s impressive journey saw her secure a dominant win over Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals, becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final.
Her victory guaranteed India a fourth medal at the Paris Olympics, and she was scheduled to compete against the USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match.
However, the Indian Olympic Association announced her disqualification due to a few grams over the 50kg limit during the morning weigh-in.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning.
No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” stated the release from the Indian Olympic Association.
Meanwhile, India’s hopes for more medals remain high, particularly in athletics. Athlete Avinash Sable will compete in the 3000 Metre Steeplechase final on Thursday. Sable qualified for the final after finishing fifth in his heat, clocking 8:15.43s.
In weightlifting, Mirabai Chanu will compete in the women’s 49kg category tonight. Additionally, wrestler Antim Panghal will participate in her round of 16 bout in the women’s freestyle 53kg category on Wednesday.
India has already secured three medals at the Paris Olympics, all from shooting events, and continues to aim for more success in the remaining competitions.
