'Vinesh Is A Champion': Haryana CM Says Grappler To Get Welcome, Perks Like Medalist Despite Olympics Ouster

Haryana CM Saini hailed Vinesh Phogat for her performance in the Paris Olympics and said that although she was unable to compete in the final for whatever reason, she is still a champion.

Vinesh Phogat News: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Thursday that wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who faced disqualification in the ongoing Paris Olympics, will be welcomed and honoured just like a medallist despite the outcome. The Chief Minister hailed the grappler for her performance in the ongoing Olympics and said that although she was unable to compete in the final for whatever reason, she is still a champion. 

Saini's comments came after Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling after she faced disqualification from the 50 kg category finals at the Paris Olympics 2024 for being 100 grams overweight in the morning weigh-in.

In a post on X, the Haryana CM said, " Our brave daughter from Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, delivered a tremendous performance and made it to the finals in the Olympics. Although she was unable to compete in the final for any reason, she is still a champion for all of us. Our government has decided that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and honored just like a medalist. The same respect, rewards, and facilities that the Haryana government provides to Olympic silver medalists will be gratefully extended to Vinesh Phogat as well. We are proud of you, Vinesh!".

Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. On Wednesday, Phogat appealed against her Olympics disqualification in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), demanding that she be awarded a joint silver medal after being forced out for being 100gm overweight in the morning weigh-in. An Indian Olympic Association(IOA) source in the visiting Indian contingent confirmed the development to PTI.

Vinesh Phogat's Uncle Mahavir Phogat Thanks Haryana Govt

On Haryana CM's announcement to confer all the benefits to Vinesh Phogat that a silver medalist gets, her uncle Mahavir Phogat says, "It's a good initiative by the CM. He has accepted the fact that she has got the Silver medal. It's a good step and I support this. I thank the Haryana govt, it'll encourage other athletes if such things ever happen to them..."

Phogat was assured of at least a silver medal before the disqualification.