Support and words of appreciation poured in from various quarters for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was on Wednesday disqualified from the Paris Olympics after being found overweight before her finals in the women's 50kg category.
READ MORE: Paris Olympics: Vinesh Phogat disqualified for being overweight before finals
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her "a champion among champions." In a tweet, Modi said the wrestler "epitomizes resilience."
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…
According to sources, Modi spoke to Indian Olympic Association president P.T. Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has. The prime minister asked Usha to explore full range of options to help Vinesh, and urged her to lodge a strong protest over the disqualification if that helps.
You already won Gold in our hearts, the Kerala unit of the Congress tweeted.
You already won Gold in our hearts @Phogat_Vinesh 😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/oDvxBdGla8
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) August 7, 2024
No matter what happens from here on, the journey of Vinesh Phogat is the most compelling narrative ever in Indian sport, writer and sports producer said in a tweet.
No matter what happens from here on, the journey of Vinesh Phogat is the most compelling narrative ever in Indian sport.
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) August 6, 2024
From Asian Games & Commonwealth glory to a career threatening injury in Rio to public enemy for standing up against perhaps the most intimidating figure in… pic.twitter.com/YqLmNzQ632
Journalist Shekhar Gupta observed that this is a "shocking failure also by team, contingent bosses & coach."
Vinesh Phogat disqualification on the verge of a gold & a sealed silver is a national sporting tragedy. Shocking failure also by team, contingent bosses & coach. Wrestlers’ weight management issues when fighting on consecutive days are well known. It’s a management disaster.
— Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) August 7, 2024
This is probably the most cruel, shattering, heartbreaking incident in Indian Sports History, wrote a user.
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
You are already a winner, said a user, hailing the wrestler.
