In a devastating turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Women's 50kg freestyle wrestling event, shattering her hopes of Olympic glory. Vinesh, who had diligently prepared to compete in the 50kg category after previously wrestling in the 53kg class, faced disqualification for exceeding the weight limit on the morning of her much-anticipated gold medal match against USA's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
The disqualification came despite Vinesh successfully making weight on the initial weigh-in day, making her eligible to compete on Day 1 of the competition. However, under stringent Olympic rules, wrestlers must meet the weight requirement on both designated days. Sadly, Vinesh's slight deviation in weight on the crucial match day led to her disqualification, leaving her unable to vie for even a silver medal in the event, which will now only award a gold and two bronze medals.
Reports indicate that Vinesh, in a desperate bid to comply with the weight criteria, had endured a sleepless night and made every effort to trim down. Her disqualification marks a bitter end to what had been a remarkable journey at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh had defied immense odds to become the first Indian woman wrestler to advance to an Olympic final, showcasing exceptional skill and determination throughout her campaign.
Her path to the final was nothing short of extraordinary, starting with a stunning upset over defending champion Yui Susaki, who had an impeccable record in international competition and boasts four world championship titles. Vinesh continued her trailblazing run by defeating Ukraine's Oksana Livach and later triumphed over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals, securing her place in history as India's first female wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
Despite her remarkable achievements and spirited performance throughout the tournament, Vinesh's dreams of Olympic gold were dashed by the stringent weight regulations, a heartbreaking conclusion to her heroic journey in Paris.
Both Vinesh Phogat and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are barred from appealing against the disqualification ruling, underscoring the finality of the decision and the somber outcome for one of India's brightest medal prospects at the Paris Olympics 2024.
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