Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris Olympics Final for Failing to Make Weight

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced a heartbreaking disqualification just hours before the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced that Phogat failed to make weight, preventing her from competing for the gold medal against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States. Consequently, Phogat will not receive a medal of any color.

“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s wrestling 50kg class,” the IOA stated. “Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning.”

The disqualification triggered an outpouring of sympathy and support for Phogat. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to describe Phogat as a “champion among champions,” expressing his deep disappointment and offering words of encouragement.

“You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian,” Modi wrote. “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 epitomize resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you.”

Shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won India’s first individual Olympic gold in 2008, also expressed his support, stating he was “completely gutted” by the news. “Sometimes you don’t need a gold medal to be a true champion to people,” Bindra added.

Phogat was one of several Indian wrestlers who protested last year, demanding criminal action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then chief of the Wrestling Federation of India and a member of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Singh has denied any wrongdoing following complaints by women wrestlers.