Rahul Gandhi Decries Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification, Urges IOA to Seek Justice
New Delhi: Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has described wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics as “unfortunate” and has urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to mount a strong challenge against the decision. Gandhi also expressed confidence in Phogat’s ability to return stronger to the wrestling arena.
Phogat’s disqualification came as a significant setback after she was found overweight ahead of her women’s 50kg final. Despite securing her place as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic gold medal bout, she will return empty-handed due to this technical issue.
In a statement on X, Gandhi expressed his dismay: “It is unfortunate that Vinesh Phogat, India’s pride, who reached the finals after defeating world champion wrestlers, was disqualified on technical grounds. We have full hope that the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country.”
He continued, “Vinesh is not one to give up. We are confident that she will come back stronger to the wrestling arena. You have always made the country proud, Vinesh. Even today, the whole country stands with you as your strength.”
International rules dictate that any athlete found overweight at the weigh-in for a final is ranked at the bottom of the standings. Phogat had previously defeated defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan to secure her spot in the final against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
Phogat’s disqualification was part of a series of weight-related issues in the 50kg category.
