Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: Hema Malini Says 'Lesson For All Women', Swara Bhasker Questions Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Olympics after being found overweight before her women's 50kg final. Celebs, including Hema Malini, Swara Bhasker have reacted to her disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Olympics on Wednesday after being found overweight before her women's 50kg final, leaving her without a medal just hours after being on the brink of winning an unprecedented gold. Bollywood celebrities, including Hema Malini, Swara Bhasker, Huma Qureshi, have reacted to her disqualification.

Celebs reaction on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification 

Actor Swara Bhasker tweeted, "Who believes this 100 grams overweight story??? (Heartbreak emoji)."  

Huma Qureshi took to X and wrote, "Please tell me something can be done (see-no-evil monkey emoji). They have to let her fight @Phogat_Vinesh @Olympics @OGQ_India @IndianOlympians." 

Actor and politician, Hema Malini told PTI, "It is very surprising, and it feels strange that she was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight. It is important to keep the weight in check. It is a lesson for all of us. I wish she should lose that 100 gm quickly but she would not get an opportunity," 

Taking to her Instagram Stories, actor Taapsee Pannu shared a news article. She said, "This is heartbreaking, but honestly, this woman has already made her mark beyond gold by now! @vineshphogat (red heart emoji)." 

What led to Vinesh Phogat's disqualification

On Tuesday night, Vinesh Phogat made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her event. By Wednesday morning, she was guaranteed at least a silver medal. However, due to a disqualification for being overweight, she will now return home without any medal. 

"She was found overweight by 100 grams this morning. The rules do not allow this, and she has been disqualified," an Indian coach told PTI. 

Indian Olympic Association's statement

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the news and requested privacy for Vinesh, who was participating in her third Olympics. 

"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the IOA stated. 

"No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," the statement added. 

According to international rules, any wrestler found overweight at the weigh-in is placed at the bottom of the final standings. 

The 29-year-old had impressively defeated defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan on her way to the finals.