The President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) PT Usha met with Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat in a hospital in Paris on Wednesday. The first picture after the wrestler's heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024 has gone viral on social media.
The 29-year-old stormed into the final of the women's 50kg category with three sensational wins on Tuesday. Phogat was set to face Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA in an epic medal match but the IOC stunned the Indian contingent by disqualifying the ace wrestler after the latter found 100 gm overweight.
In a picture shared by an ANI, a heartbroken Vinesh was wearing India's official kit for the Paris Games. PT Usha looked concerned during her visit to the hospital and later revealed that the wrestler was disappointed with the disqualification.
The IOA quickly responded with a formal appeal to UWW (United World Wrestling) in their official protest. PT Usha met with Phogat at a local hospital to offer her all the support. She assured that the federation is doing everything in its power to fight against the disqualification.
“Vinesh's disqualification is very shocking,' PT Usha said. "I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India and the whole country.
“We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation Of India has filed an appeal to UWW to consider the decision to disqualify Vinesh and it is following this up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh's medical team throughout the night so that she could meet the competition requirements.”
Meanwhile, India suffered further heartbreaks on Day 12 of the sporting events with Antim Panghal losing her opening round in the women's 53kg category.
