Congress Criticizes BJP Over Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification at Paris Olympics

The Congress party has lashed out at the BJP following the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics, accusing the ruling party of 'sports politics.' Surjewala questioned the Wrestling Federation of India's silence and demanded justice for Vinesh.

The Congress party has issued strong criticism against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics. Congressman Randeep Surjewala accused the ruling party of engaging in 'sports politics,' suggesting that Phogat didn't fail due to her performance but became a victim of political maneuvers.

'India's daughter Vinesh Phogat unfurled the Indian flag at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh Phogat didn't fail in the wrestling match but she became a victim of sports politics,' said Surjewala at a press conference. He indicated that Phogat, who earlier protested against BJP's Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, did not receive adequate support from certain quarters, including tweets celebrating her semi-final victory.

The Congress leader questioned the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and the Indian government's silence on the issue. He demanded transparency and justice, emphasizing that Phogat's disqualification due to weight concerns was questionable. He highlighted the inconsistency in governmental support, comparing the silence after her semi-final win with consoling messages following her disqualification.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his support for Phogat through a post on social media platform X, calling her a 'champion among champions' and urging her to come back stronger despite the setback. Vinesh Phogat had reached the gold medal match by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez but was disqualified after exceeding the 50kg weight limit. The Indian Olympic Association has since filed a complaint with United World Wrestling seeking reconsideration of the disqualification.

(With inputs from agencies.)