"The Wrestling Federation of India has appealed to UWW" - IOA president PT Usha on reconsidering Vinesh Phogat's disqualification

Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the Paris 2024 Olympics took a heartbreaking turn when she was disqualified from the women’s freestyle 50kg final for being just 100 grams over the weight limit.

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat drew a strong reaction from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and its president, PT Usha. Expressing her shock and disappointment, PT Usha made it clear that the association stands firmly behind Vinesh during this challenging time. She said (as quoted by ANI):

"Vinesh's disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the whole country.”

In light of the disqualification, the IOA has ensured that Vinesh receives comprehensive medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has promptly appealed to the UWW, seeking a reconsideration of the disqualification. PT Usha confirmed that the appeal is being pursued with utmost urgency and seriousness.

"We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation Of India has appealed to UWW & it is following this up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh's medical team throughout the night so that she could meet the competition requirements,” added PT Usha.

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What is the International Olympic Committee’s statement on Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification?

Despite meticulous planning and intense efforts by her team, Vinesh Phogat’s weight on the morning of the final was 50.1 kg, marginally exceeding the 50 kg limit. This minor discrepancy led to her disqualification, robbing her of the chance to compete for the gold medal against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt at 11:00 PM IST.

The official communication from the IOC confirmed Vinesh’s disqualification and outlined the next steps:

“According to the article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, VINESH Vinesh (IND) will be replaced by the wrestler who lost against her in the Semifinal. Therefore GUZMAN LOPEZ Yusneylis (CUB) will compete in the Final. Repechage SUSAKI Yui (JPN) vs LIVACH Oksana (UKR) will become Bronze Medal Match."