Akhilesh Yadav Calls for Investigation into Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday demanded a comprehensive investigation into the “technical reasons” that led to wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics due to exceeding the weight limit ahead of her women’s 50 kg final bout.
Phogat had made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to advance to the gold medal match in the event. In a statement posted in Hindi on X, Yadav asserted, “There should be a thorough investigation into the technical reasons behind Vinesh Phogat not being able to take part in the final, and the truth and the real reason behind it should come to the fore.”
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) later confirmed Phogat’s disqualification, citing that despite extensive efforts by the team, she weighed in slightly over the 50 kg limit. The IOA requested privacy for Phogat, expressing regret over the situation: “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning.”
