Will Vinesh Phogat return empty handed after disqualification and a repeat of 2016 incident?

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 women's wrestling ahead of the final in freestyle 50 kg final after she weighed 100 gram more than the permitted limit, leaving many in absolute shock and heartbroken.

Vinesh Phogat was exemplary in all bouts that took place on August 6 and ultimately qualified for the gold medal match, which was scheduled for Wednesday night.

This, however, is not new for the Indian wrestler as a similar tale had happened back in 2016 at the Rio Olympics. Phogat was disqualified from the first World Olympic Qualifying event in 2016 for the very same reason.


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What happened in 2016 Rio Olympics?

Vinesh Phogat had weighed 400 grams more than what was stipulated to be eligible for the 48kg category competition at the Rio Olympics qualifiers, missing out a spot for the main event.

Other women grapplers in fray - Babita (53kg), Anita (63kg), Navjot Kaur (69kg) and Jyoti (75kg) also did not make it to the medal round and lost out on a chance to book Olympic berths for 2016.

Also Read: More details on Vinesh Phogat disqualification

Will Phogat get a medal?

Indian hopes were dashed as Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Women's Wrestling 50kg final, impacting the medal standings. Phogat, who was set to compete for gold against America's Sarah Hildebrandt on August 12, was disqualified for exceeding the 50kg weight limit at the weigh-in.

Hildebrandt will now fight Yusneylis Guzman for the gold medal while Yui Susaki and Oksana Livach will compete for bronze.

Does India have a chance to move ahead in wrestling at the Olympics?

Antim Panghel, India's female wrestler in freestyle 53 kg category, is set to compete today at the Paris Olympics.

Also Read: From Vinesh Phogat to Brij Bhushan, episodes that marred Indian wrestling in past year and half

Her first bout is with Turkiye's Zeynep Yetgil and if Panghel wins this, she will qualify for the quarterfinals scheduled for later today.