India Faces Tough Day at Olympics with Disappointments and Setbacks
Paris: India experienced one of its most challenging days at the ongoing Olympic Games in Paris on Thursday, marked by significant setbacks across multiple sports. The country’s hopes were dashed as Vinesh Phogat, a medal contender, faced disqualification, while celebrated weightlifter Mirabai Chanu finished outside the podium. Additionally, wrestler Antim Panghal encountered disciplinary issues that compounded the day’s woes.
Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification
The biggest disappointment came from Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from her final bout against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt after being found 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in. The 29-year-old wrestler has appealed the decision, requesting to be considered for a joint silver medal. She was replaced in the final by Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Hildebrandt. Vinesh’s disqualification was a significant blow to India’s medal prospects.
Mirabai Chanu Falls Short
Mirabai Chanu, the Tokyo Olympics silver medalist, was unable to replicate her previous success. Competing in the 49kg weightlifting category, she finished fourth with a total lift of 199kg (88kg snatch + 111kg clean and jerk). This was 3kg less than her Tokyo total and came after struggling with only three valid lifts out of six attempts. Her performance fell short of expectations, given her previous achievements.
Antim Panghal’s Disciplinary Breach
Wrestler Antim Panghal also added to the day’s troubles. After being eliminated from the women’s 53kg category in her opening bout, Panghal and her entourage faced a disciplinary issue. Panghal’s sister was caught impersonating her to retrieve belongings from the Games Village, leading to police involvement. Additionally, Panghal’s support staff were reported to have traveled inebriated and refused to pay their taxi fare. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) decided to send Panghal and her support team back from Paris.
Disappointing Track and Field Performances
India’s track and field athletes also underperformed. Avinash Sable finished 11th in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final with a time of 8:14.18, failing to match his recent personal best. Triple jumpers Praveen Chitravel and Abdulla Aboobacker did not advance to the finals, finishing 27th and 21st, respectively. Jyothi Yarraji, the national record holder in the 100m hurdles, finished 35th in her heat with a time of 13.16 seconds, missing out on the semifinals. Javelin thrower Annu Rani also fell short, finishing 26th overall with her best throw of 55.81m.
Table Tennis Campaign Ends
India’s table tennis campaign concluded after the women’s team, consisting of Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath, lost to Germany 1-3 in the quarterfinals.
Hockey Team’s Last Chance
Looking ahead, the men’s hockey team will vie for a bronze medal against Spain on Thursday. The team will seek to overcome the disappointment of their narrow 2-3 semifinal loss to Germany.
As the Games continue, all eyes will be on Neeraj Chopra, who remains India’s key hope for a medal. Chopra, the defending javelin throw champion, will compete for a historic second Olympic gold after topping the qualification rounds.
