Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024: India's quest for a maiden gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 suffered a stunning setback on the morning of Wednesday, August 7.
Star Indian grappler Vinesh Phogat, who was set to compete in the finals of the 50kg wrestling category, has been disqualified after her weight was found to be slightly over the limit just hours before her match against USA's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on the second day of the event. Despite her potential for gold, Vinesh now even misses out on securing even the silver medal.
Vinesh Phogat's journey to the final of the Women's 50kg wrestling class was both historic and hard-fought. She made headlines by pulling off a major upset, defeating reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the semis. This remarkable victory made Vinesh the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final in wrestling, defying significant odds along the way.
Three stunning back-to-back wins on Day 1 of the women's 50kg class propelled Vinesh Phogat to the gold medal match. After defeating reigning champion Yui Susaki of Japan in her opening match, Vinesh went on to overcome Oksana Livach of Ukraine in the quarter-finals and then Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba in the semi-finals.
As per news agency PTI, Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba, who Vinesh Phogat won against in semifinals, will replace her in the final of women's 50kg category in 2024 Paris Olympics, PTI reported.
Here's why Vinesh Phogat won't win any medal, including silver or bronze, after her disqualification.
According to United World Wrestling (UWW) rules, a wrestler who fails to meet the weight limit and is disqualified will not win a medal. As a result, Vinesh Phogat, who was set to receive a silver medal if she had lost her final (gold medal) match, will now leave the Paris Olympics without a medal.
Despite maintaining an unbeaten streak throughout the competition, Vinesh will finish in last place due to her weigh-in failure, as none of her previous victories will be recognized.