Disqualifications Mar India's Hopes at Paris 2024 Olympics

India faces setbacks at the Paris 2024 Olympics as the marathon race walk mixed relay team, Suraj Panwar and Priyanka Goswami, and grappler Vinesh Phogat, are disqualified in their respective events. Despite diligent efforts, technicalities and regulations presented significant challenges for the athletes.

In a disappointing turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympics, India's marathon race walk mixed relay team, comprised of Suraj Panwar and Priyanka Goswami, failed to finish the final of the mixed relay event on Wednesday. The Indian duo's race ended prematurely at the 33.4km mark, shortly after the third exchange, due to multiple infractions involving loss of contact and bent knee issues.

The marathon race walk mixed relay, known for its gruelling demands and technical precision, saw Spain's Alvaro Martin and Maria Perez clinch the gold medal with a time of 2:50:31. Ecuador and Australia followed closely, earning the silver and bronze medals, respectively.

India's team faced a series of warnings during the race, ultimately leading to their disqualification. Despite their efforts, the technicalities of race walking proved to be a significant hurdle, marking a setback for the Indian athletics contingent, which had high hopes for a strong performance.

As the Olympics continue, India's focus now shifts to other events and athletes, with hopes for better results in upcoming competitions. Earlier in the day, grappler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women's wrestling event. Phogat was scheduled to face the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match.

A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent explained that Phogat was disqualified for tipping the scales above the 50 kg mark. "It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh's privacy," the statement read.

Phogat had entered the Gold Medal bout after defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night. (ANI)