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Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: WFI President Demands Action Against Coaches and Support StaffIndia's wrestling contingent in Paris has come under fire after Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics due to weight gain. Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh has urged the central government to take strict action against those responsible for the incident.Phogat was disqualified hours before her gold medal bout against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States after she was found overweight from the permissible limit of 50kg. Singh believes it was the responsibility of Phogat's coaches and support staff to ensure she was within the weight limit."I don't think Vinesh is at fault here. She was performing wonderfully, and the entire responsibility here is of her coach and the supporting staff. A probe should be done to see how her weight increased. I urge the central government to take strict action against them," Singh told PTI.Singh revealed that he had requested the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and United World Wrestling (UWW) to allow Phogat some relaxation, but his request was denied. "The entire country was expecting a gold medal but she was disqualified due to her weight. I hope God will give her strength, and the entire nation is with her," he added.According to reports, Phogat gained a couple of kilos by Tuesday night. Her coaches and support staff took desperate measures to reduce her weight, including skipping, jogging, cycling, and even cutting her hair. However, nothing worked, and she was still found 100gm overweight.In international wrestling competitions, wrestlers must pass a weigh-in process at the start of the day. In non-medal matches, athletes are given 30 minutes to weigh in multiple times. However, if they are found to be even 1gm overweight, they are disqualified.Phogat had passed the weigh-in process on Tuesday and was allowed to participate in her bouts. She registered historic wins against Yui Susaki of Japan and Oksana Livach of Ukraine. However, she failed the weigh-in on Wednesday and was disqualified, nullifying all her previous results.The WFI president's demand for action against Phogat's coaches and support staff highlights the importance of proper weight management in wrestling. The incident serves as a reminder that athletes and their teams must adhere to the strict weight regulations to avoid disqualification and disappointment.

Vinesh Phogat, India's trailblazing wrestler, made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. However, her triumph was short-lived as she was disqualified from the gold-medal bout on Wednesday due to being overweight.Phogat was scheduled to face American Sarah Hildebrand in the women's 50kg final at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. However, during the weigh-in, she was found to be a few grams over the 50kg limit.The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement expressing regret over Phogat's disqualification. "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning," the statement read.Phogat's disqualification is a major setback for India's Olympic hopes. She was one of the country's top medal contenders and her absence from the final will be a significant blow.The Indian team has requested privacy for Phogat at this time. "It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," the IOA statement said.Phogat's disqualification highlights the importance of weight management in wrestling. Wrestlers must adhere to strict weight limits in order to compete in their respective weight classes.Phogat's journey to the Olympic final was an inspiring one. She overcame numerous challenges, including injuries and personal setbacks, to reach the pinnacle of her sport. Her disqualification is a reminder that even the most talented athletes can face adversity.Despite the disappointment, Phogat's performance at the Olympics has been a source of pride for India. She has inspired countless young girls and women to pursue their dreams in wrestling.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dream was not just about personal glory; it was a battle for a greater cause. The wrestler spent the past year leading protests against alleged sexual harassment of women wrestlers by the former President of the Wrestlers' Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. Her historic qualification for the Olympic finals is a testament to her resilience and determination.Phogat's victory over reigning Olympic and world champion, two-time European Games medallist, and Pan-American Games champion is a remarkable achievement. It guarantees her at least a silver medal in the Paris Olympics. This triumph is particularly sweet for the 29-year-old from Haryana, who had vowed to win a medal and show it to Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.In November 2023, Phogat declared, "I will fight. I will look him in the eye and bring back a medal. I have a reason to fight. If I train well, I can win a medal. No one can stop me."Fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia revealed Phogat's motivation: "She said, 'I am fighting for the future generation of wrestlers. Not for myself, my career is done and this is my last Olympics. I want to fight for the young women wrestlers who will come and fight for them so that they can wrestle safely.'"Phogat's historic semi-final win follows a long sit-in protest in Delhi last year, where she and other athletes accused Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment. Despite facing vilification and police detention, Phogat remained steadfast in her fight.Her victory is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of standing up for what is right. Phogat's journey from protestor to Olympic medalist is an inspiring story of redemption and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dreams can be achieved.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has secured a spot in the gold medal match of the women's Freestyle 50kg event at the Paris Olympics. Phogat's historic victory came after an emphatic 5-0 win over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba in the semifinals.Phogat's journey to the gold medal match began with an impressive win over Yui Susaki in the round of 16, boosting her confidence. The Indian wrestler has been in top form throughout the tournament, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination.Meanwhile, the Indian women's table tennis team, comprising Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Girish Kamath, will face Germany in the quarterfinals. The team will be aiming to continue their impressive run and secure a spot in the semifinals.Another Indian wrestler, Antim Panghal, will also be in action on Wednesday. Panghal will start her campaign against Zyenep Yetgil in the pre-quarterfinals of the women's Freestyle 53kg event.India's medal hopes also rest on weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, who will compete in the women's 49kg event. Chanu, who won a silver medal in Tokyo, will be aiming to become India's first weightlifter to win two Olympic medals. However, she faces a challenging field and lingering fitness concerns.

India's Olympic campaign in Paris 2024 got off to a flying start on Tuesday, with Neeraj Chopra and Vinesh Phogat securing impressive victories.Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion in javelin throw, qualified for the final with a mammoth throw of 89.34m on his first attempt. This was his second-best throw ever, behind only his 89.94m effort at the Stockholm Diamond League in 2022.Vinesh Phogat, a three-time Olympian, registered two stunning wins in the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling category. She first defeated Japan's Yui Susaki, a five-time world champion, in a major upset. Phogat then overcame Ukraine's Oksana Vasylivna Livach in the quarterfinals to book her place in the semifinals.Phogat's victories were particularly significant given her recent struggles. She had been a vocal critic of the former President of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh, and had faced backlash for her protests. She also suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, which ruled her out of the Asian Games.Chopra, who is also the reigning world champion, praised Phogat's performance, saying, "This is extraordinary. To beat Susaki is unreal. The effort she has put in shows. After what she has been through, I pray for her that she wins a medal."Phogat, who narrowly missed a bronze medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, will be aiming to make history in Paris. She is the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the semifinals of an Olympic Games.India's strong start to the Paris Olympics is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its athletes. Chopra and Phogat are both medal contenders, and their performances have raised hopes for a successful Games for India.

The Indian contingent at the Paris Olympic Games 2024 continues to strive for its fourth medal, with shooters having secured three bronze medals thus far. Manu Bhaker played a pivotal role in two of these medals, while Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale showcased exceptional performances to ensure India's success in shooting. However, the nation faced disappointment in badminton and boxing, with no athletes securing medals in these disciplines.On Tuesday, August 11th, India has the potential to secure two silver medals if favorable results occur. The men's hockey team faces Germany in the semi-final, aiming to guarantee a silver medal by winning the match and advancing to the gold medal contest.In wrestling, India's star performer Vinesh Phogat will take center stage, beginning with her round of 16 match. She faces Yui Susaki of Japan in her first bout, and a victory will propel her to the quarter-final. Phogat could potentially compete in her semi-final match on the same day, assuring India of at least a silver medal in wrestling if she emerges victorious in all three potential matches.India's medal tally could have been significantly higher if certain athletes had converted their fourth-place finishes into podium positions. The nation has already witnessed five fourth-place finishes in the Paris Games, including two in shooting, two in badminton, and one in archery.

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling icon, embarks on her quest for Olympic glory at the Paris Olympics 2024, commencing on Tuesday. She faces a formidable challenge in her opening bout against Japan's Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion in the women's 50kg category.Phogat, a world championship bronze medalist and a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Asian Championships, is determined to start her campaign with a victory. However, Susaki poses a significant obstacle, having won gold at Tokyo 2020 without surrendering a single point. Her undefeated streak since 2010, with the exception of three losses to Yuki Irie, further underscores her dominance.Susaki's exceptional technique has earned her numerous accolades, including gold medals at the 2017 Paris World Wrestling Championships (48kg), 2018 Budapest World Wrestling Championships (50kg), and 2022 World Wrestling Championships (50kg). Her impressive resume also boasts an Olympic gold, five World Championships golds, two Asian Championships golds, and gold medals at the Golden Grand Prix Ivan Yarygin and World U-23 Championships.Phogat faces an arduous task, having suffered a quarterfinal defeat at Tokyo 2020 against Belarusian Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. In her Olympic debut at Rio 2016, she was a medal contender but was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.Despite the daunting challenge, facing Susaki could prove advantageous for Phogat. As the Japanese wrestler is heavily favored to reach the final, it could open up the repechage route for Phogat, who dropped down to the 50kg category to accommodate Antim Panghal in the 53kg category.Phogat's accomplishments are remarkable, making her the first Indian woman wrestler to win gold at both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. She is also the only Indian woman wrestler to win multiple medals at the World Wrestling Championships.

India's Paris Olympics 2024 Schedule: Day 6 Brings Hope and AnticipationDay 6 of the Paris Olympics 2024 holds immense promise for India, offering a chance to redeem the disappointment of previous days. The Indian men's hockey team faces Germany in a crucial semi-final match, while celebrated wrestler Vinesh Phogat takes to the mat. The spotlight, however, will be on Neeraj Chopra, India's golden boy in javelin throw.Chopra, who made history as India's first Olympic gold medalist in athletics, has continued his dominance since his Tokyo triumph. He has emerged victorious in the World Championship, Asian Games, and Diamond League finals. On Tuesday, he will begin his Olympic campaign in Qualification Group B at 15:20 IST.An hour earlier, Asian Games silver medalist Kishore Kumar Jena will aim to qualify for the final in Men's Javelin Throw Qualification Group A at 13:50 IST. The day will commence with the men's table tennis team of Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, and Achanta Sharath Kamal launching their campaign in the Quarterfinals of the Men's Team Competition.In athletics, Kiran Pahal will compete in the Women's 400m Repechage at 2.50 pm IST. Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling star, will face Japan's Yui Susaki in the Women's 50kg Round of 16 at 2.30 pm IST.

India's wrestling contingent is poised to embark on their quest for Olympic glory at the upcoming Paris 2024 Games. Six Indian wrestlers, including one male and five females, will represent the nation at the Champ de Mars Arena in the French capital.Aman Sehrawat, the 20-year-old Asian champion and Asian Games bronze medalist, will carry India's hopes in the men's freestyle 57kg category. Sehrawat, who replaced Ravi Kumar Dahiya in the category, is known for his ability to withstand pressure and keep opponents at bay.In the women's division, all eyes will be on two-time Olympian Vinesh Phogat, who will compete in the 50kg category. Phogat, India's most accomplished female wrestler, has won two World Championships, three Commonwealth Games, and eight Asian Championships medals. However, she is yet to prove her worth on the Olympic stage, having suffered a freak injury in Rio 2016 and a crushing defeat in Tokyo 2020.Other Indian wrestlers to watch out for include Commonwealth Games silver medalist Anshu Malik (women's 57kg), U-23 world champion Reetika Hooda (women's 76kg), and Asian Championships silver medalist Nisha Dahiya (women's 68kg). All three will be making their Olympic debuts in Paris.India's wrestling schedule at the 2024 Paris Olympics is as follows:* August 5 (6:30 PM IST): Women's 68kg (Nisha Dahiya)* August 6 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 50kg (Vinesh Phogat)* August 7 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 53kg (Antim Panghal)* August 8 (3:00 PM IST): Men's freestyle 57kg (Aman Sehrawat), Women's 57kg (Anshu Malik)* August 10 (3:00 PM IST): Women's 76kg (Reetika Hooda)The Indian wrestlers will face stiff competition from the likes of the United States, Russia, Japan, and Iran. However, they will be determined to make their mark on the Olympic stage and bring glory to their nation.