‘You Are A Champion Among Champions:’ PM Narendra Modi Reacts To Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification

New Delhi: Moments after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the gold-medal bout in the Paris Olympics after being found overweight, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt message for the wrestler.

“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,” Modi wrote on X

“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,” he added.

Reports said that she was over the permissible weight limit by just 100 grams.

Speaking to the media, her uncle Mahavir Phogat said: “I have nothing to say. The entire country has expected Gold… Rules are there but if a wrestler is 50-100 grams overweight they are usually allowed to play. I will ask the people of the country not to despair, one day she will bring a medal for sure… I’ll prepare her for the next Olympics…”

On Tuesday, Vinesh became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final after she outplayed Cuba’s Lopez Guzman 5-0 in the semifinal bout. She had also knocked out reigning champion Yui Susaki of Japan in one of the biggest upsets of the Paris Olympics wrestling competition. Vinesh edged out top-seeded Susaki 3-2 in the round of 16.

 

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