Blitz Bureau
New Delhi: Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, addressed the Lok Sabha on August 7 regarding the disqualification of Indian ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.
Setting the record straight on the Government’s assistance to the wrestler, the minister informed the House that she was extended all assistance and training for her preparation for the Olympic Games.
The Opposition, however, disagreed with the minister’s statement and walked out of Parliament.
“Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was 100 grams overweight, which led to her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh was competing in the 50 kg category. To compete her weight had to be exactly 50 kg,” Mandaviya stated.
Explaining the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules, Mandaviya said, “As per UWW rules, players’ weights are measured every morning of the competition. Article 11 states that if any player does not participate in the weigh-in or fails to meet the weight requirements, they are disqualified and placed in the last spot without a rank.”
The Union Minister also mentioned that on August 7, the weigh-in for the 50 kg women’s wrestling category took place between 7:15 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. (Paris time). “Vinesh’s weight was recorded at 50.1 kg, making her ineligible for the competition,” he added.
