Come Back Stronger!: PM Modi Backs Vinesh Phogat's After Paris Olympics Disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 was addressed in a tweet by PM Narendra Modi, on Wednesday. Just after Phogat's disqualification from the finals, taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi expressed, "Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you."

The Paris Olympic Games saw Indian ace grappler Vinesh Phogat disqualified after being found slightly overweight. Competing in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category, Vinesh was discovered to have exceeded the weight limit for her event.

Although she typically competes in the 53kg category, Vinesh had slimmed down to meet the 50kg requirement for the Paris Olympics. On the second day of her weigh-in, she was found to be over the limit by just 100 grams, leading to her disqualification as the rules allowed no exceptions.

Despite her tireless efforts to meet the weight requirement-skipping meals, running, and staying awake-Indian officials' requests for additional time were unsuccessful. Vinesh, who had previously made history as the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final, was set to win a silver medal but will now return home empty-handed.

In her initial bout, Vinesh faced Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, who was undefeated and a four-time world Olympic champion. Her stunning victory over Susaki was hailed as one of the biggest upsets of the Games. After defeating Oksana Livach of Ukraine to reach the semi-finals, Vinesh's advancement was met with tears of joy. However, her dreams and those of 1.4 billion Indians were ultimately dashed on Tuesday morning.