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Female wrestler disqualified from final over strict rule despite making Olympic history

Home> News> Sport

Published 18:59 7 Aug 2024 GMT+1

Female wrestler disqualified from final over strict rule despite making Olympic history

Vinesh Phogat beat the reigning Olympic champion on her way to the final

Callum Jones

Callum Jones

An Indian wrestler has been disqualified from competing any further in the Olympics, despite already making history in Paris.

Vinesh Phogat has hugely impressed at the Games, and really propelled herself into stardom after beating defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan.

On Tuesday (6 August), the Indian wrestler defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba to reach the final of the 50-kilogram wrestling event and earn the opportunity of taking home an historic gold medal.

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba earlier this week. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba earlier this week. (David Ramos/Getty Images)

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However, Team India have since announced Phogat will not be competing in the final as she has been disqualified after failing to make the all important weight on Wednesday (6 August).

This is despite the dedicated athlete cutting off her hair in an attempt to make the weight.

The news will come as a devastating blow to the Olympian, who would have been dreaming of glory in Paris.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Team India said: "It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning.

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The Indian wrestler has unfortunately been disqualified from the final. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
The Indian wrestler has unfortunately been disqualified from the final. (David Ramos/Getty Images)

"No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to Twitter to react to the news, expressing his devastation for the sports star.

He penned: "Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.

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"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 Olympian was performing extremely well. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)
The Olympian was performing extremely well. (Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Phogat's disqualification is another athlete's gain, in this case, Lopez.

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The Cuban will now face American Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, who defeated Otgonjargal Dolgorjav of Mongolia 5-0 in the other semi-final.

Away from the sport, Phogat is well known in her native country of India as she and other female wrestlers were arrested in the Indian capital of New Delhi.

They marched on parliament due to allegations of sexual misconduct by individuals involved in wrestling.

One of them happened to be Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the president of the Wrestling Federation of India, who was later replaced.

Featured Image Credit: Luke Hales/Getty Images / David Ramos/Getty Images

Topics: Olympics, Wrestling, India, Sport

Callum Jones
Callum Jones

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