Summarize

Simplifying... Inshort

Vinesh Phogat, a promising Indian wrestler, has been disqualified from the Olympics, causing a national uproar.
The disqualification, which is a significant setback for India, has led to protests from various quarters, including the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The controversy has also reignited previous allegations of sexual harassment against former Wrestling Federation of India head, Brij Bhushan, by several female wrestlers.

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Indian wrestler disqualified for being overweight

Brij Bhushan's son reacts to Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from Olympics

By Chanshimla Varah

Aug 07, 2024

06:19 pm

What's the story

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Karan Bhushan Singh has reacted to the ouster of wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the 2024 Paris Olympics, calling it a "loss for the country." Phogat, who was on the cusp of making history at the Paris Olympics, was disqualified ahead of the women's 50kg freestyle final for being overweight. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the news and requested privacy for the wrestler.

Statement

'Wrestling Federation will look into this,' says Singh

"The (Wrestling) Federation will take this into consideration and see what can be done," Singh, who represents Uttar Pradesh's Kaiserganj constituency in the Lok Sabha, said. Singh is the son of BJP leader Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former head of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and former Kaiserganj MP. Several female wrestlers, including Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Bajrang Punia, protested against Brij Bhushan in Delhi last year after at least six wrestlers accused the BJP leader of sexual harassment.

Impact

Phogat's disqualification a setback for India

Phogat's disqualification is a significant setback for India, as she was poised to become the nation's first female wrestler to clinch at least a silver medal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his disappointment on X, hailing Phogat as a "champion among champions" and an inspiration for all. Industrialist Anand Mahindra also expressed his shock, hoping it was a "bad dream," while entrepreneur Vishal Dayama attributed the extra weight to the "invincible medal she has been wearing all this time."

Protest

India files 'strong protest' against Phogat's disqualification

Meanwhile, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the IOA has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling over Phogat's disqualification from the Olympics. Mandaviya stated that PM Modi also asked IOA President PT Usha in Paris to take appropriate action. "The government provided every facility to her including personal staff," the minister added.