Paris, August 7, 2024 – Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was hospitalized on Wednesday after being disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old athlete fainted due to dehydration shortly after being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams during the weigh-in.
Phogat, who made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, encountered this setback just before her gold medal bout. Despite rigorous efforts by her team to ensure she met the weigh-in requirements, she was slightly over the 50kg limit on the morning of the competition.
Vinesh is currently recovering in the polyclinic at the Olympic Village and is reported to be stable. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) addressed the incident in a statement, acknowledging the disqualification and requesting privacy for Phogat as she recuperates.
“It is with regret that we announce Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. We request respect for Vinesh's privacy during this time,” the IOA statement read.
Following the disqualification, Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted IOA President PT Usha to discuss possible actions. He encouraged the exploration of all avenues to support Phogat’s case and urged the IOA to file a protest if it could aid the wrestler. PM Modi praised Vinesh Phogat as a "champion among champions" and a source of pride for India.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is scheduled to address Parliament regarding the incident at 3 pm today.
