Vinesh Phogat's heartbreak continues: Disqualification, hospitalization, and controversial comments from Kangana Ranaut and Hema Malini
Vinesh Phogat not only skipped food and water but also her coaches cut her hair and "attempted to draw out blood," but these efforts did not achieve the desired results.
Updated : August 07, 2024 03:49 PM ISTVinesh Phogat not only skipped food and water but also her coaches cut her hair and "attempted to draw out blood," but these efforts did not achieve the desired results.
Vinesh Phogat
Despite her relentless effort and dedication, literally giving away her blood, sweat and tears, Vinesh Phogat's woes seem to find no end. After proving everyone wrong by defeating her opponents and making it to the final of the women's 50kg event at the Paris Olympics 2024, fate appeared to be against her. On the day of the final, during the weight check, she was found to be 50-100 grams over the 50kg limit, leading to her disqualification on Wednesday.
This was enough to shock everyone, who had been expecting nothing but gold from the wrestler. "She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified," said an Indian coach.
However, it was later revealed that she had taken extreme measures to meet the weight limit. She skipped meals and refrained from drinking water. According to Sportstar, her coaches even cut Vinesh's hair and "attempted to draw out blood," but these efforts did not achieve the desired results.
Following the disqualification, reports emerged that the 29-year-old grappler had suffered severe dehydration and required medical attention. Currently, Vinesh is stable and resting at the polyclinic in the Olympic Village.
Vinesh Phogat didn't sleep whole night after reaching final & was working hard to shed extra 2 kg, but missed mark by 100 gram, is now hospitalized.
— sohom (@AwaaraHoon) August 7, 2024
How do we even recover from this? This is probably the most cruel, shattering, heartbreaking incident in Indian Sports History 💔 pic.twitter.com/clsvak1mQR
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to explore all possible avenues for appealing the disqualification. PM Modi personally contacted IOA President PT Usha to obtain detailed information on the situation and discuss potential remedies. He instructed PT Usha to explore every option to support Vinesh Phogat's case, including filing a strong protest against the disqualification if needed.
PM Narendra Modi spoke to IOA President PT Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. He asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case. He also urged PT Usha to file a strong… pic.twitter.com/qlGivfAXqL
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2024
While the athlete and the fans are undoubtedly heartbroken, and despite the general outpouring of empathy toward the wrestler, two BJP leaders, Kangana Ranaut and Hema Malini, have made comments on the issue that have not been well received by the public.
Ranaut took to social media to address Vinesh Phogat's historic achievement but indirectly also criticised her. She on Instagram said, "Fingers crossed for India's first Gold Medal…Vinesh Phogat at one point took part in protests where she raised the slogans of 'Modi teri Kabr khudegi'. Yet she was given the opportunity to represent the nation and receive the best training, coaches, and facilities. This is the beauty of democracy and the mark of a great leader."
Fans were quick to point out that she was not "given the opportunity" but was selected and qualified based on her own merit. On the other hand, BJP leader Hema Malini said: "It is very surprising, and it feels strange that she was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight. It is important to keep the weight in check. It is a lesson for all of us. I wish she should lose that 100 gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity".
BJP MP Hema Malini mocking Vinesh Phogat for her disqualification in Olympics final.#vineshphogat
— phews (@phcubes) August 7, 2024
pic.twitter.com/3YmX61uGBW
Fans have found these statements quite insensitive, especially at a time when everyone is hoping for the wrestler to have a chance to compete in the final. Prime Minister Modi also tweeted to console the wrestler, calling her a "champion among champions."
"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 Prime Minister said.
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
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…