IOA Protests Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification: Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Tells Parliament

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday, dealing a significant blow to India's wrestling medal hopes. Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed this issue in Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

Speaking at the Parliament, Mandaviya said,''Vinesh's weight was found to be 50 kg 100 grams, hence she was disqualified. Indian Olympic Association has opposed this...''

He further said that Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has lodged protest with the organisers of the Paris Olympics after wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified ahead of her gold medal match.

The Prime Minister earlier spoke with IOA chairperson PT Usha and asked her to explore options to help Phogat's case, reports said.

Phogat was set to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt from the United States in the Gold Medal match for the 50 kg women's wrestling event. However, she was disqualified for weighing slightly over the 50 kg limit. The Indian Olympic contingent released a statement expressing their regret over her disqualification.

Indian Contingent's Statement

"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. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," read the statement.

Prior to her disqualification, Phogat had secured her place in the Gold Medal bout by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez with a score of 5-0 in Tuesday night's semi-finals.

Other Indian Athletes in Action

India's medal hopes now shift to athletics and weightlifting events. Athlete Avinash Sable will compete in the 3000 Metre Steeplechase final scheduled for Thursday at 1:13 AM IST. Sable advanced to the final after finishing fifth in his heat at Stade de France, clocking a time of 8:15.43s.

Sable finished behind Morocco's Mohamed Tindouft (8:10.62s), Ethiopia's Samuel Firewu (8:11.61s), Kenya's Abraham Kibiwot (8:12.02s), and Japan's Ryuji Miura (8:12.41s). His performance has raised hopes for a potential medal in this event.

Additionally, Mirabai Chanu will compete tonight in the Women's 49 KG weightlifting category, adding another opportunity for India to secure a medal at these Games.

Wrestler Antim Panghal is also set to participate in her Round of 16 bout in the Women's Freestyle 53 KG category later on Wednesday, keeping India's wrestling hopes alive despite Phogat's setback.

So far, India has won three medals at the Paris Olympics, all coming from shooting events. The nation remains hopeful for more successes as other athletes continue their competitions.