Heartbreak for India as Vinesh Phogat is Disqualified Ahead of Gold Medal Match at Paris Olympics

Paris [France], August 7: In a significant setback for India, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the 50 kg women's wrestling event just before her Gold Medal match against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States. The disqualification occurred because Vinesh Phogat weighed in slightly over the 50 kg limit.

An official statement from the Indian Olympic contingent noted, "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 team's best efforts through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh's privacy and wishes to focus on the ongoing competitions."

Phogat had advanced to the Gold Medal bout by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals.

Despite this disappointment, India still holds hope for medals in other events. Athlete Avinash Sable will compete in the 3000 Metre Steeplechase final on Thursday at 1:13 AM Indian Standard Time (IST). He qualified for the final by finishing fifth in the heats with a time of 8:15.43s, behind Morocco’s Mohamed Tindouft, Ethiopia’s Samuel Firewu, Kenya’s Abraham Kibiwot, and Japan’s Ryuji Miura.

Additionally, Mirabai Chanu will compete in the Women’s 49 kg weightlifting category tonight. Wrestler Antim Panghal will also be in action, participating in the Round of 16 for the Women’s Freestyle 53 kg category later on Wednesday.

So far, India has won three medals at the Paris Olympics, all in shooting events.