Vinesh Phogat's husband refutes rumors of ₹16 crore prize money
What's the story
Somvir Rathee, the husband of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, has dismissed online rumors claiming that his wife received a cash prize of ₹16 crore.
The speculation suggested that this substantial sum was awarded to her by several private companies, businessmen, and political parties after her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rathee labeled these claims as "fake news", which has been doing the rounds on social media, and clarified that no such money has been received.
Clarification
Rathee condemns spread of false information
Rathee condemned the spread of false information about the alleged prize money on social media.
He stated, "Vinesh Phogat has not received any money from the following organizations, businessmen, companies and parties."
He urged everyone to refrain from disseminating such misinformation as it not only harms them but also undermines social values.
Twitter Post
Here's what Rathee wrote on X
निम्नलिखित संस्थाओं, व्यापारियों, कंपनियों और पार्टियों द्वारा विनेश फोगाट को कोई धनराशि प्राप्त नहीं हुई है. आप सभी हमारे शुभचिंतक लोग हैं, कृपया झूठी खबरें न फ़ैलाएँ. इससे हमारा नुक़सान तो होगा ही. सामाजिक मूल्यों का भी नुक़सान होगा.
— Somvir Rathee (@somvir_rathee) August 18, 2024
यह सस्ती लोकप्रियता पाने का साधन मात्र है. pic.twitter.com/ziUaA8ct1W
Appeal
Phogat's appeal for joint silver medal dismissed
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently upheld the disqualification of Phogat from the Paris Olympics.
Despite this, the court criticized the consequences of failing a weigh-in as "draconian."
Phogat was disqualified for exceeding her weight limit by 100gm ahead of her 50kg women's gold-medal bout.
The CAS emphasized strict adherence to weight regulations in its decision.
Dismissal
Disqualification from the Paris Olympics
Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics caused a stir in the wrestling world.
She had become the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympic final. She could have been the second-ever Indian woman with an Olympic medal in wrestling.
Phogat's win over Yui Susaki remains one of the biggest upsets in wrestling.
The Indian became the first-ever international wrestler to defeat Susaki, who had an 82-0 international record before this match.