Amid disbelief over Vinesh’s disqualification, clamour grows for change in rules

Sangeeta Phogat expresses disbelief and disappointment over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from Paris Olympics, sparking calls for rule changes.

GURUGRAM

“Twenty years of hard work and this 100 gm at the end... This medal was for us all. Don’t know whether this is the cruelty of the unfortunate times or something else,” wrestler Sangeeta Phogat said in a cryptic social media post on Wednesday, responding to the disqualification of her cousin and fellow wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics just hours before her final bout due to her weight crossing the limit for her category by just 100 gm.

Her post came amidst a growing online clamour by fans, calling for the rules to be amended and for Ms. Vinesh Phogat to be given the silver medal.

Ms. Sangeeta Phogat, who had been the part of the protests against Indian Wrestling Federation president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh in Delhi in 2023, said that it was a personal loss for all women.

Her husband Bajrang Punia, an Olympic medallist who had also been part of the wrestlers’ protests, said that Ms. Vinesh Phogat was a “gold medallist of morality and strength”. In a social media post, he said, “100 gm. Cannot believe that this has happened to you. Everyone was praying for you. It was a personal medal for every woman of the world.”

The two wrestlers also posted messages seeking the silver medal for Ms. Vinesh Phogat.

Her uncle and coach Mahavir Phogat had said on Tuesday that her semifinal victory “was a slap on the face of Brij Bhushan”, expressing confidence that she would win the gold medal. After her disqualification, Mr. Phogat said that he was left with nothing to say, adding that the entire country was disappointed.