Reports: PM Modi asks PT Usha to file 'strong' protest after Vinesh Phogat's disqualification, asks her to explore options to help her case
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly joined the action to help wrestler Vinesh Phogat play in the final of the 50kg freestyle wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024, which is scheduled to take place today (August 6). Phogat unfortunately was disqualified for the final after it was learnt that she weighed 100 grams more than the required criteria.
Phogat was actually overweight by two kilos on Tuesday night and didn't sleep in order to burn the weight. She tried jogging, cycling and even skipping but a mere 100 grams have now prevented her in competing in the final.
As per ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and requested first-hand information from her on Phogat's issue and the "options India have in the wake of Vinesh's setback". The Prime Minister has informed PT Usha to explore every option available to help Vinesh Phogat. He has also urged the IOA president to lodge a strong protest regarding the wrestler's disqualification if that helps.
Vinesh Phogat's heartbreak
Yesterday, Vinesh Phogat won the quarter-finals and semi-finals to emerge as the first Indian woman wrestler to make it to an Olympics final. She was set to take on American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt in the final. But with the Indian now being disqualified, the American will fight Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba, who Vinesh vanquished in the semifinals.
Narendra Modi even posted on X regarding Vinesh Phogat's disqualification. He wrote:
"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 entire nation is supporting Vinesh Phogat at this moment and is eager to hear what happens next.