Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Wednesday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha to take necessary steps regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. The disqualification occurred after Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit for her category.
Addressing the Lok Sabha, Mandaviya stated, “IOA president PT Usha has been directed by PM Modi to take appropriate action. The IOA has registered dissent with United World Wrestling regarding this matter.”
Vinesh Phogat, who was competing in the 50-kg female category, was disqualified from the wrestling finals in the Paris Olympics after she weighed 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in. This disqualification came as a shock, especially since Phogat had made history by being the first Indian woman to reach the finals in female wrestling at the Olympics.
Mandaviya emphasized that the government had provided every possible assistance to Phogat for her preparations. “The government provided every facility to her, including personal staff,” he said, listing the financial and logistical support extended to the wrestler.
Earlier in the day, news of Phogat’s disqualification led to significant protests in the House during the Zero Hour, with Opposition MPs demanding a statement from the government on the issue. Some MPs even trooped into the Well of the House, raising slogans and demanding answers from the sports minister. Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal intervened, assuring that a detailed statement would be made later.
In his detailed statement, Mandaviya reiterated that the IOA has lodged a strong protest with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW) regarding Phogat’s disqualification. He confirmed that IOA President PT Usha is currently in Paris and has been directed by PM Modi to take the necessary actions to address the issue.
“The IOA has registered a strong protest with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). IOA President PT Usha is in Paris… PM Modi has spoken to her and asked her to take requisite action in the matter,” he said.
Phogat’s disqualification has triggered widespread outrage in India, with many calling for a thorough investigation into the incident.
Phogat, who had been a prominent figure in a lengthy protest demanding action against a former wrestling federation chief over allegations of sexual harassment, was expected to bring home at least a silver medal. However, due to the disqualification, she will be returning empty-handed.
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The sports minister highlighted the rigorous regulations enforced by UWW, stating, “As per the rules and regulations of UWW, the weight of all athletes across all categories is measured every morning. Vinesh’s weight was found to be 50 kg and 100 gm, following which she was disqualified.”
Phogat’s disqualification not only dashed her personal dreams but also disappointed millions of her supporters. The incident underscores the importance of strict adherence to the regulations and the potential repercussions of even minor deviations in weight categories in competitive sports.
As the nation awaits further hearings, the sports community and with country’s citizens remain hopeful that the protest made by IOA will bring a favorable outcome for the whole Indian sports community.
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