Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified just hours before the women’s 50kg freestyle final today due to failing to make weight, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced.
Phogat was scheduled to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal, after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman Lopez in the 50kg semifinal.
Despite concerted efforts by her team throughout the night to ensure she made the weight, Phogat was ultimately unable to comply with the regulations.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s wrestling 50kg class,” the IOA said in a statement.
According to Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Phogat will be replaced in the final by Guzman Lopez, who will now compete for the gold medal. The repechage clash between Japan’s Yui Susaki and Ukraine’s Oksana Livach has been upgraded to a bronze medal match.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, expressed his support for the Phogat, praising her as “a champion among champions.”
“You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian,” he said in a post on X. “Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
“At…
