IOA chief PT Usha recently met with Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who faced disqualification just before her gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics. The meeting was a show of support and encouragement for Phogat, whose disqualification was a significant setback in her Olympic journey. PT Usha’s visit highlighted the importance of morale and solidarity within the Indian sports community, emphasizing that setbacks are part of an athlete’s journey and that the focus remains on future opportunities and continued perseverance in their sporting careers.
PT Usha Met Vinesh Phogat After His Disqualification:
Amid the uproar over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics, a new photo has surfaced featuring her with Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha. In the image, Usha is seen offering comfort to Phogat, who maintains a brave smile despite the disappointment. This touching moment highlights the support and resilience within the Indian sports community.
Earlier the day regarding Phogat’s disqualification, Usha said, “ Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago and assured her of the complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the whole country.”
Wrestling Federation of India Throughout Showed Support to Vinesh Phogat:
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has formally lodged an appeal with United World Wrestling, the sport’s international governing body, contesting the recent disqualification decision. This appeal seeks to review and overturn the ruling affecting Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat. The WFI’s action underscores their commitment to challenging the decision and striving for a resolution that may impact Phogat’s participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
They stated, “ We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation Of India has filed an appeal to UWW to consider the decision to disqualify Vinesh and it is following this up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night so that she could meet the competition requirements.”
Indian Olympic team doctor Dinshaw Paudiwala revealed that to meet the 50 kg weight limit, Vinesh Phogat’s team employed extreme measures, including cutting her hair, and restricting her food and water intake. These steps were taken to ensure she met the required weight for her event.
Dinshaw Paudiwala said, “ The coach initiated the weight-cut process that he had always employed with Vinesh. This process had worked with her for a long time, and he felt confident. We went ahead with the weight-cut procedure. However, in the morning, we found despite all of our efforts, her weight was 100 grams over her 50kg weight category.”
He added, “ And hence, she was disqualified. We had tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting off her hair and shortening her clothes. Despite all of this, we couldn’t make that 50kg weight category.”
He concluded, “ Vinesh interacted with the IOA president PT Usha. She mentioned that although she’s physically and mentally normal, she is disappointed that this is her third Olympics and she is disqualified.”
