India offers support to Vinesh Phogat following her disqualification from the Olympics; Congress raises concerns about "Sports Politics."
New Delhi [India], August 7: Following Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the final of the 2024 Olympics, support has poured in from both the film industry and political leaders across the country. Meanwhile, the Congress party has raised concerns about "sports politics" influencing the decision.
Phogat was set to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the Gold Medal when it was announced that she had been disqualified for exceeding the 50 kg weight limit.
The Congress party strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the wake of Phogat's disqualification, arguing that her exclusion was a result of "sports politics" rather than a failure in the match. Congress spokesperson Surjewala accused some individuals of avoiding acknowledgment of Phogat’s semi-final victory because of her previous protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, a figure closely associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Surjewala demanded answers from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) about their silence on the issue.
Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda questioned how things went wrong when Phogat had been performing well in her bouts. He wondered if there was a lapse on the part of the administration or if the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had addressed the issue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Olympic bronze medalist Sakshi Malik expressed concern for Phogat, while Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole condemned the disqualification as "sports politics" and called for high-level discussions. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the IOA for its lack of action and questioned if their members had been neglecting their duties.
INDIA Bloc MPs protested in Parliament seeking justice for Phogat, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin praised her perseverance. Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and other leaders expressed their support for Phogat, acknowledging her significant achievements despite the setback.
Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh labeled the disqualification as "extremely unfortunate," and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised Phogat’s performance as a source of national pride. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and various other leaders expressed their pride in her performance.
NCP MP Praful Patel and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also voiced their support, while Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that the IOA has lodged a strong protest with United World Wrestling (UWW) over the disqualification.
The Indian film industry also rallied behind Phogat, with several celebrities expressing their support on social media. IOA president PT Usha and the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic contingent provided updates on Phogat’s condition and the efforts made to meet the weight requirements.
Phogat's uncle and former wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat expressed his disappointment, noting that athletes are usually given some leeway for minor weight discrepancies. Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Munawwar Hasan called for accountability from the government and IOA. BJP MP Tejasvi Surya and TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee also voiced their support, suggesting that Phogat’s achievements deserve high national recognition.