Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Before Olympic Final
- Vinesh Phogat was disqualified before competing in the final of the women's wrestling 50kg freestyle category at the Olympics.
- The decision came after her stunning upset in earlier rounds and triggered protests.
- Her disqualification is seen as a heartbreaking moment for the athlete and her supporters.
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Olympics, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's journey has shifted from a stunning victory to heartbreaking disqualification. Competing in the women's 50-kilogram division, Phogat faced off against five-time world champion Yui Susaki, who boasted an impressive 82-0 record. In a remarkable upset, Phogat defeated Susaki, propelling her into the gold medal match. However, her hopes were dashed when she was disqualified for failing to make weight by a mere few grams. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced Phogat's disqualification early Wednesday, expressing regret over the situation. Despite her dominant performances leading up to the final, including victories over Ukraine’s Oksana Livach and Guzman Lopez, Phogat's failure to meet the weight requirement overshadowed her achievements. This disqualification marks a painful moment for Phogat, who had become the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final but was unable to compete for gold. Phogat's journey to the Olympics has been fraught with challenges, including her involvement in protests against sexual harassment in wrestling. Just over a year ago, she was part of a movement that called for accountability from powerful figures in Indian sports, including Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has faced allegations of misconduct. Her activism has resonated within the wrestling community, highlighting systemic issues that athletes face. Fellow wrestlers have rallied around Phogat, celebrating her resilience and the significance of her journey. Bajrang Punia, a prominent figure in the protests, praised her as a symbol of strength for Indian wrestling, emphasizing the broader struggle against systemic failures in the sport.