Vinesh Phogat Out Of Paris Olympics: BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh's Son Calls Wrestler's Exit A National Loss

In the wake of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics, Karan Bhushan Sharan Singh, son of BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, has expressed his views. Karan, whose father faced protests from Vinesh last year, told journalists, "If Vinesh has been disqualified, desh ka nuksan hua hai (the nation has lost a medal)." He added that the wrestling federation will look into what can be done from here.

Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics in a heartbreaking twist. Despite reaching the final in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category, she failed to meet the weight requirements on the morning of the gold medal match.

The news has elicited strong reactions from across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Vinesh a "champion among champions" on social media, expressing his profound disappointment. "Wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing," he said on X.

Rio Olympics bronze medallist Sakshi Malik, who stood alongside Vinesh during last year's protests, also reacted emotionally. "If it was possible, I would have given my medal to Vinesh," she said.

What's Next?

According to a statement from the Paris 2024 organisers, "Vinesh failed the second-day weigh-in. According to Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh will be replaced by the wrestler who lost to her in the Semifinal. Therefore, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba will compete in the Final, while Yui Susaki of Japan and Oksana Livach of Ukraine will compete in the bronze medal match."

Phogat had successfully made weight the previous day, blazing her way to the final. However, she was reportedly around two kilograms overweight the following night. Desperate to compete, she spent the entire night attempting to shed the excess weight through rigorous exercise. Despite her efforts, she was found to be a few grams over the limit on the day of the final.

Stringent Weight Regulations

The stringent weight regulations in wrestling require athletes to maintain their weight category for both days of competition. As a result of her disqualification, Phogat missed the opportunity to win gold and was deemed ineligible for the silver medal. The Indian Olympic Association expressed their disappointment and requested privacy for the 29-year-old athlete during this difficult time.