Punjab CM Questions IOA After Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification from Paris Olympics

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the Indian Olympic Association after wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for exceeding weight limits, missing her chance at gold. Various officials and family members expressed disappointment while the IOA filed an appeal to reconsider the decision.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has raised questions about the members of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) following the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat. Phogat, one victory away from securing India's first gold medal at the Paris Olympics, was set to face American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on Wednesday night but was disqualified for weighing above the 50kg limit.

Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent, confirmed that Phogat was 2.7 kg over the allowed weight. Mann, present in Charkhi Dadri, questioned the role of IOA members tasked with monitoring Phogat's weight, suggesting negligence on their part.

'I don't want to delve into politics, but were the IOA members on holiday? There was no objection from them. When she reached the final, there was silence, but a tweet surfaced once she was disqualified,' Bhagwant Mann told reporters. He emphasized that the responsibility to check weight lay with Phogat's coaches and physiotherapists, questioning their accountability.

Vinesh's uncle, Mahavir Phogat, also expressed his sorrow, saying, 'The entire country expected gold. Rules allow for some leeway, but being slightly over should not lead to disqualification. I urge the nation not to lose hope; she will bring home a medal in the future.'

Following Vinesh’s disqualification, IOA President PT Usha confirmed that an appeal had been filed with the United World Wrestling to revisit the decision. Usha expressed her shock and disappointment and assured of complete support for Vinesh, adding that all possible efforts were being made to keep the morale of the Indian contingent high.