Vinesh Phogat's disqualification: Sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya gives statement in Lok Sabha

Vinesh Phogat disqualification: After star Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Olympics just ahead of the gold medal match, India's sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya apprised Lok Sabha of the incident on August 7.

Vinesh was disqualifed for being overweight even as she was in the final stages of preparation for her title bout at the women's 50 kg class.

The wrestler was found to be overweight by 100 grams, Mandaviya said. "Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to being overweight by 100 gm. Vinesh was playing in the 50 kg category and her weight had to be 50 kg for the competition. According to the rules and regulations of UWW (United World Wrestling), for all competitions, weigh-ins are organised every morning for the respective category," Mandaviya said.


"On August 7, 2024, the weight for 50 kg women's wrestling was determined at 7:15-7:30 Hours Paris time, for wrestlers participating in repechages. Vinesh's weight was found to be 50 kg and 100 gm. Therefore, she was declared ineligible for the competition," he said.

The Indian Olympic Association lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics, he said.

The govt had provided all help needed to Vinesh Phogat including personal staff, the minister added. "Govt provided every assistance possible to wrestler Vinesh Phogat for her preparations," he said.

Speaking on Phogat's disqualification, Mandaviya said that IOA president PT Usha has been directed by PM Modi to take appropriate action.

Indian Olympic Association registered strong protest with United World Wrestling over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification, Mandaviya said.