Olympic Wrestlers Stand United: Higuchi's Support for Vinesh Phogat

Japanese Olympic champion Rei Higuchi extends his support to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who faced disqualification in the Paris Games for being slightly overweight. Higuchi, also eliminated from the Tokyo Olympics due to marginal weight excess, empathizes with her setback. Vinesh has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport for reconsideration.

Japanese Olympic champion Rei Higuchi has offered his support to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from her final in the Paris Games for being 100gm over the weight limit.

Higuchi, a gold medalist in the men's 57kg freestyle event, was similarly disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers three years ago for being 50gm overweight. Despite his high ratings, he lost a playoff bout and couldn't compete in his home Olympics.

'I understand your pain the best. Same 50g. Don't worry about the voices around you. Life goes on. Rising from setbacks is the most beautiful thing. Take a good rest,' commented Higuchi, reflecting on his Tokyo debacle and attributing his failure to his fondness for junk food at the time. Vinesh, who has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeks a joint silver with Lopez as she was within the weight limit during previous bouts.

(With inputs from agencies.)