Paris, Aug 7: After Indian woman wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified due to overweight on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her India's pride. But admitted that the setback to her in Paris Games has shocked and hurt him too.
Modi described her as a champion sportsperson and an inspiration to every Indian. He advised her to comeback stronger as India roots for her success.
Former Olympics shooting Gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who earlier expressed delight of her entry into the final, after knowing her disqualification stated that he was completely gutted and shattered. But Bindra backed Vinesh saying she does need a Gold medal to prove others that she is a true champion.
Earlier, dreaming of a Gold medal in the Paris Olympics 2024 in 50-kg women freestyle wrestling Vinesh Phogat entered the final. But she had to bear the pain and agony of her disqualification due to overweight on Wednesday.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) however, appealed for respecting Vinesh Phogat's privacy. The IOA also suggested that it is time to focus on other completions in hand.
The ace Indian wrestler Vinesh, who usually competes in the 53kg category but brought her weight down to 50kg for the Paris Olympics. However, on Day-2 of her weigh-in, Vinesh was found weighing over the desired limit, though by a small margin of about 100 grams.
Reports revealed that Vinesh reportedly tried to do all she could to come under the desired weight, be it skipping meals, or running. She didn't sleep the entire night, hoping to fall under the weight category. Though Indian officials pleaded the Olympic committee for more time but the efforts went in vain and Vinesh was declared disqualified.
The incident has shocked crores of Indians, who hoped Vinesh to win a Gold in Paris.
