PM Narendra Modi consoles Vinesh Phogat after her disqualification, asks PT Usha to file strong protest and explore options
Aditi Tandon
New Delhi, August 7
Prime minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday rooted for the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic wrestling final Vinesh Phogat saying the whole nation was rooting for her, even as she was disqualified from the finals for failing to make her weight in the 50 kg category.
The PM spoke to IOA president PT Usha and sought firsthand information on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback.
Official sources said the PM has asked Usha to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case.
"The PM also urged Usha to file a strong protest regarding the disqualification if that helps Vinesh," government sources said.
Phogat was disqualified for being 109 grams overweight.
Saying that the setback hurts, the PM called Vinesh a champion.
"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," Modi said.
Modi's tweet came just as leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi demanded a clarification from the government on what happened with Phogat in Paris.
Meanwhile, the government is expected to make a statement on the issue at 3 pm.
Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya will speak.
Sources said Phogat had her meal after making it to the Olympic wrestling semifinal yesterday and was found to have gained weight after which her team is learnt to have worked all day and night to manage.
Phogat is learnt to have worked cardio exercises all along to drop the weight she put on.
Phogat had earlier downgraded her wrestling weight category to 50 kg.
It is learnt the government is still working on options with Phogat, and may ask for consideration of her last performance or an opportunity to weigh again.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
