Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday made a statement in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday on the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Olympics, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal informed the House. Earlier, as the news of Phogat’s disqualification broke, Opposition MPs protested in the House during the Zero Hour demanding a statement from the government over the issue. Some MPs also trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans demanding that the sports minister should answer.
In a shocking reversal of fortunes, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on Wednesday from the Olympics after being found overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final here, leaving her medal-less within hours of coming close to an unparalleled gold. Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event on Tuesday night. Before this morning, she was assured of at least a silver medal but will now be coming back empty-handed due to the disqualification.
Sports Minister Mandaviya informed the Lok Sabha, "Wrestler Vinesh Phogat disqualified from 50 kg category Olympics event after being 100 gm overweight: Sports Minister Mandaviya in Lok Sabha. Indian Olympic Association registered strong protest with United World Wrestling over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification: Mansukh Mandaviya. IOA president PT Usha directed by PM Modi to take appropriate action: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Phogat's disqualification. Govt provided every assistance possible to wrestler Vinesh Phogat for her preparations"
Come back stronger: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday described wrestler Vinesh Phogat as a "champion among champions" and exuded confidence that she would come back stronger following her disqualification from the final Olympic bout. "Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian," Modi posted on X.
"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," he said. "Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you," Modi said.
