New Delhi, August 7: INDIA Bloc MPs staged a protest at Makar Dwar in Parliament seeking justice for wrestler Vinesh Phogat on Wednesday following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 hours before the 50 kg women's wrestling final event.
Vinesh was scheduled to take on United States's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match.
NCP MP Praful Patel said, "It is very shocking and disturbing news that she has been disqualified... All sports federations including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) cannot have these kinds of yardsticks... How can you disqualify someone at the final stage? This is shocking and surprising. The Government of India and the Indian Olympic Association should take this up strongly with the IOC and put a big question mark on the way the IOC itself is operating and the way this entire Olympics is being conducted."
Several other political leaders have extended their support to the grappler and said that the whole country is proud of Vinesh Phogat.
"Vinesh Phogat's setback in the Olympics has certainly broken the hopes of millions of Indians. She has a brilliant sporting career, shining with the glory of defeating the world champion. This misfortune is merely an exception in her trailblazing career, from which I am sure she will bounce back to be the winner she always is. Our best wishes and support are always with her," Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X.
"It is unfortunate that Vinesh Phogat, India's pride, who reached the finals after defeating world champion wrestlers, was disqualified on technical grounds. We have full hope that the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this decision and provide justice to the daughter of the country. Vinesh is not one to give up; we are confident that she will come back stronger in the arena. You have always made the country proud, Vinesh. Even today, the whole country stands with you as your strength," Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
