Vinesh Phogat opens up on refusing call from PM Modi after Paris 2024 disqualification
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a well-known figure in Indian sports, recently announced her retirement following her disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics. In a surprising revelation, Vinesh claimed she declined a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was made after her disqualification.
In an interview with The Lallantop, Vinesh Phogat revealed the details of the incident.
“The call had come (from PM) but I refused to speak. The call did not come directly to me but Indian officials who were there informed me that he (PM Modi) wanted to talk. I was ready. However, they put conditions — no one from my team would be present, while two people from their side would record the conversation for social media,” she stated.
Vinesh Phogat has been vocal about the struggles and challenges she faced, particularly in the last two years. She emphasized that she didn’t want her emotions and hard work to be showcased on social media for political gain.
“I didn’t want my emotions and hard work to be made fun of on social media,” she said.
The wrestler, who has had a notable career in wrestling, expressed her concerns regarding the motives behind the call, stating that she did not want her emotions to be exploited for political purposes.
“If he truly cared about athletes, he could have called without recording it, and I would have been grateful,” she added.
“Maybe he knows if I speak to Vinesh she will ask about the last two years. Maybe that’s why I was instructed that there will be no phone from my side because they can edit (video) from their end but I will not edit. I will post the original video. So they denied,” she remarked.
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from Paris 2024 Olympics
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics after failing to make weight during the second day of the competition. Set to compete in the gold-medal match in the women's 50kg category, Vinesh was found to be 100 grams over the limit on August 8.
Her disqualification was particularly surprising as she had become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Her campaign in Paris included a remarkable victory over Yui Susaki, a wrestler who had never been defeated in her international career until her bout with Vinesh.