Hours after the news broke, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Vinesh Phogat's uncle Mahavir Phogat in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana and questioned the role of his support staff behind the unfortunate incident.
“These mistakes are made at such a high level... trainers and physiotherapists are paid in thousands of rupees. Did you go there on vacation?" asked Bhagwant Mann.
The Chief Minister was in Charkhi Dadri on Wednesday to address a public meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party in the run-up to the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October.
“We were told that she weighed 150 grams above the prescribed weight category so she was disqualified. She will now look towards the 2028 Olympics,” stated Mahavir Phogat.
"There is nothing more to say. The whole country was expecting a gold medal. But she was disqualified. The whole country is sad now. It has happened according to the norm and I don't know if there will be a second chance. Now she will work even harder," he added with wet eyes.
At Vinesh's ancestral home, celebrations turned somber less than 24 hours after she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event at the Olympics following her convincing 5-way victory. -0 over the Cuban Yusneylis Guzmán López in the semifinal.
Responding to her disqualification, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are the pride of India and an inspiration to each and every Indian.
“Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the feeling of despair I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you personify resilience. It has always been your nature to face challenges head-on. Come back stronger! "We all support you."
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, “Vinesh, you are the pride of India. You are an inspiration to all Indians. You have made India proud at the Olympics with your brilliant sporting talent.
“Today's decision is extremely sad for all Indians. All of India, including Haryana, is with you. You have faced all challenges bravely. We have full faith in our daughter that she will overcome all obstacles and she will always continue to increase the pride of India.”
“These mistakes are made at such a high level... trainers and physiotherapists are paid in thousands of rupees. Did you go there on vacation?" asked Bhagwant Mann.
The Chief Minister was in Charkhi Dadri on Wednesday to address a public meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party in the run-up to the Haryana Assembly elections scheduled for October.
“We were told that she weighed 150 grams above the prescribed weight category so she was disqualified. She will now look towards the 2028 Olympics,” stated Mahavir Phogat.
"There is nothing more to say. The whole country was expecting a gold medal. But she was disqualified. The whole country is sad now. It has happened according to the norm and I don't know if there will be a second chance. Now she will work even harder," he added with wet eyes.
At Vinesh's ancestral home, celebrations turned somber less than 24 hours after she made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event at the Olympics following her convincing 5-way victory. -0 over the Cuban Yusneylis Guzmán López in the semifinal.
Responding to her disqualification, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X: “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are the pride of India and an inspiration to each and every Indian.
“Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the feeling of despair I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you personify resilience. It has always been your nature to face challenges head-on. Come back stronger! "We all support you."
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said, “Vinesh, you are the pride of India. You are an inspiration to all Indians. You have made India proud at the Olympics with your brilliant sporting talent.
“Today's decision is extremely sad for all Indians. All of India, including Haryana, is with you. You have faced all challenges bravely. We have full faith in our daughter that she will overcome all obstacles and she will always continue to increase the pride of India.”
