Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faces disqualification at Paris Olympics

New Delhi, Aug 7: In a significant blow to Indian wrestling, Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics due to being "a few grams over" the allowed weight limit during Wednesday morning's weigh-in.

The Indian Olympic Association announced, “We regret to inform that Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Women’s 50kg wrestling category. Despite the team's efforts throughout the night, she was slightly over the 50kg limit during this morning's weigh-in. We will not be making any further statements at this time and request that Vinesh’s privacy be respected as we focus on ongoing competitions.”

In accordance with UWW regulations, Vinesh will be placed last in the event.

On a brighter note, Vinesh made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final. She secured her spot by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman 5-0 in the semifinal.

Earlier in the tournament, Vinesh delivered a stunning performance by overcoming Japan’s Yui Susaki, the world No. 1 and a four-time World Champion, who had been unbeaten in 95 international matches.

Vinesh’s journey to the semifinals also included a victory over Ukraine’s Oksana Vasylivna Livach, with a score of 7-5 in her second bout of the day.

Competing in her third Olympics, Vinesh, a former World No. 1 in the 48kg category, previously missed out on a medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics due to an injury and was defeated by Vanesa Kaladzinskaya in the 53kg quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics.

Vinesh is also noted for being the first Indian woman to win gold at both the Commonwealth and Asian Games.