'Champion Among Champions': PM Modi Sends A Message To Vinesh Phogat, Discusses Options With PT Usha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Indian Olympics Association (IOA) president PT Usha about wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 and asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case, sources said.

The prime minister also urged the IOA president to file a strong protest regarding Vinesh’s disqualification if that helps her case, sources added.

According to the latest reports, India has already filed an appeal on the matter as per the protocol.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she could not make the weight on the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout on Wednesday.

“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” a statement by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) read.

“Today’s setback hurts,” PM Modi said in an X post and encouraged Vinesh to come back stronger. “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the prime minister said.

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