"For me, she is a winner" - Harbhajan Singh reacts as Vinesh Phogat is disqualified from 50 kg wrestling final at Paris Olympics 2024
Former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh expressed disappointment over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. The ace grappler defeated Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman on Tuesday to become the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympics final.
However, Phogat was disqualified ahead of the gold medal bout after failing to make the weight cut reportedly by around 100 grams.
Reacting to the 29-year-old's exit from the Paris Olympics, Harbhajan emphasized that the entire India was waiting for her to win the coveted gold medal. The former cricketer stated that Vinesh Phogat was a winner for him and said he would meet her upon her arrival.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Harbhajan stated:
"It is very unfortunate because Vinesh was so close to getting a gold medal. We were hopeful that she would return to India with a gold medal. The last few months were difficult for her and going through all of this and still not being able to play the finals is extremely unfortunate. For me, she is a winner and I hope to meet her once she is back.
"It is disheartening that only because of 100 grams an athlete is not allowed to play...This could have been the best chance for Vinesh if she was allowed to play."
Vinesh Phogat guaranteed herself at least a silver medal with her semi-final triumph. With the recent developments, Yusneylis Guzman, who lost to Phogat in the semi-final, will now compete for the gold medal.
"You have made us proud" - Irfan Pathan on Vinesh Phogat's performances at Paris Olympics 2024
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan also reacted to Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the 50 kg freestyle wrestling final. He pointed out how she was just a step away from the gold medal.
Taking to the microblogging platform X, Pathan wrote:
"It’s heartbreaking for @Phogat_Vinesh and for all of us as we knew she was very close to get the Gold. You have made us proud."
It is worth mentioning that Vinesh Phogat enjoyed an imperious run at the Paris Olympics 2024, even defeating the defending champion and No. 1 Susaki Yui.