In a swift turn of emotions, the ancestral village of wrestler Vinesh Phogat transformed from celebration to somber reflection following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics for being overweight.
Just a day earlier, family members rejoiced as Vinesh became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final, securing a convincing 5-0 victory over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.
Her uncle, Mahavir Phogat, expressed his disappointment, noting that Vinesh's sudden weight issue might have stemmed from a dietary misstep. "She might have eaten something that caused her to be overweight. She will work harder in the future.
The country is saddened. She will try again for 2028," he told reporters, conveying hope for her future endeavors.
Vinesh was disqualified just hours before her gold medal match against the USA's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, having tipped the scales above the required limit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his support on social media, posting, “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.”
Modi expressed his empathy for her setback, stating, "Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair 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."
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also weighed in, acknowledging that Vinesh's disqualification has dashed the hopes of millions.
"This misfortune is merely an exception in her trailblasing career, from which I am sure she will bounce back to be the winner she always is," Shah stated, extending his best wishes for her future.
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