[Watch] Vinesh Phogat's uncle Mahavir breaks down in front of media after wrestler's disqualification from Paris Olympics 2024
Vinesh Phogat's uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat, the Dronacharya Award recipient, broke down in front of the media after the wrestler suffered disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Notably, Vinesh Phogat was found 100 grams overweight to her 50 kg weight ahead of the final bout.
It's worth noting that Mahavir trained his four daughters Geeta, Babita, Ritu, and Sangita, and also his two nieces Vinesh and Priyanka. Geeta, Babita, and Vinesh went on to represent India on the international stage.
After hearing about Vinesh's disqualification news, Mahavir requested the wrestler's well-wishers not to get dejected and assured a medal in the future. Furthermore, he also stated that he will prepare the wrestler for the next Olympics.
"I have nothing to say. The entire country has expected Gold... Rules are there but if a wrestler is 50-100 grams overweight they are usually allowed to play. I will ask the people of the country not to despair, one day she will bring a medal for sure... I'll prepare her for the next Olympics,” Mahavir told ANI.
IOA releases statement to confirm Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) was quick to release the statement, confirming Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and requesting to respect her privacy during this difficult time.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s wrestling 50kg class,” the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) said in a statement.
“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,” the statement read.
Vinesh Phogat passed the weigh-in on the opening day of the competition but weighed just over 50kg on the morning of the final bout. The wrestling rules state that if a wrestler fails the weigh-in, they will be disqualified from the competition and ranked at the bottom without a rank.
Vinesh defeated the defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki from Japan in the opening round. Later, she stunned Oksana Livach from Ukraine before defeating the reigning Pan American Games champion Yusneylys Guzman from Cuba in the semi-final bout.