Vinesh Phogat: a champion, a world-class athlete, an inspiration. These are but a few titles that define her. Having endured a grueling 18 months leading up to the Olympics, Vinesh faced yet another cruel twist of fate that saw her Olympic dreams shattered. This time, it wasn’t her opponents who defeated her but the merciless regulations of the Olympic federation. Disqualified for being a mere 100 grams overweight.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics just hours before her 50 kg gold medal bout. "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) stated. This was no mere oversight but a tragedy that speaks to the rigid and arguably unfair rules that govern the Olympic trials.
Vinesh’s weight ordeal wasn’t a new struggle; she barely cut the qualifiers and fought hard to stay within the 50 kg category, a notch below her usual 53 kg. After reaching the finals against all odds, defeating the world number one Yui Susaki, and others, her disqualification feels like an unjust end to a hero’s journey.
A Rigged System?
This incident casts a glaring light on the Olympic federation and its outdated regulations. The Olympics isn’t an annual event; athletes sacrifice everything for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. To be disqualified over 100 grams, especially after reaching the finals, raises serious questions about the fairness and humanity of these rules.
Vinesh didn’t sleep the entire night, resorting to jogging, skipping, and cycling to meet the weight criteria. She gave everything, even risking her health as she felt dizzy from dehydration. Yet, the plea for a few extra minutes to shed the last 100 grams was mercilessly denied. Instead of recognizing her perseverance, the federation chose to uphold a rigid standard that effectively punished her for being human.
Today, as I pen this article, my heart is heavy with grief, sorrow, and anger. In a country striving to position itself among the world's greats, our athletes, who work tirelessly to bring glory to the nation, face such humiliating setbacks. Our Prime Minister’s public support for Vinesh rings hollow, especially after these athletes were violently suppressed during their protests on the streets of Delhi.
Wrestlers' Protest: A Battle Beyond the Mat
"A torn ligament. A lower weight category. An unbeaten world champion. Nothing stands in her way," Abhinav Bindra once said of Vinesh Phogat. Yet, this quote missed another significant hurdle: the political battle that saw Vinesh Phogat and fellow wrestlers protesting against sexual harassment within the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Their protests led to a violent crackdown by the authorities, a stark reminder of the systemic issues plaguing Indian sports.
Far from the wrestling mats, Vinesh, alongside Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, was fighting a different battle. They demanded the arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, accused of sexually harassing several female athletes. Stationed at Jantar Mantar, their peaceful protest turned chaotic when police used force to detain them, prompting an outcry from top athletes and supporters across the nation.
The suspension of the WFI and the election of a new president, Sanjay Singh, met resistance, reflecting the deeply entrenched issues within the system. The wrestlers' struggle highlighted the need for a drastic overhaul of the governance of sports in India.
The Unfinished Fight
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification is not just a personal tragedy; it’s a symbol of the broader systemic failures. Her story underscores the urgent need to revisit and reform the rules that govern sports, ensuring they serve to uplift rather than punish. It’s a call to address the hypocrisy that allows politicians to offer public support while failing to protect and empower the athletes who bring glory to the nation.
Here's the reason why even if #VineshPhogat declared herself injured, she would not have been eligible for the silver medal. 🤼♀️ 💔 🇮🇳 #Paris2024 #Olympics #IndiaatParis2024 #wrestling #latestnews #breakingnews #trending pic.twitter.com/mx81SMdxFv— VYGR | News App (@Vygrofficial) August 8, 2024
As Vinesh returns home empty-handed, her heart and spirit bruised, the nation must reflect on the kind of support and respect we extend to our champions. If India is to succeed on the global stage truly, it must start by standing firmly behind its athletes, in victory, and defeat, ensuring their sacrifices are honored and their rights protected.
Inputs by Agencies
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