• Source:JND
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Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh said it is "extremely sad for the country" that India's strong gold medal hope in wrestling, Vinesh Phogat, was disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday, adding that "we will do whatever is possible."

India on Wednesday suffered a major blow after wrestler Vinesh was disqualified from the 50 kg women's wrestling event. Vinesh was slated to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States in the gold medal match.

The WFI chief stated that he is attempting to look more into the issue through talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW).

"We have less time, but we will do whatever is possible. Since she was training all night to reduce her weight, there is slight dehydration. Now she is fit and taking rest in the games village. It is extremely sad for the country that we missed our first gold medal in Women's Wrestling because of the overweight issue...Our athletes are very well prepared and they will all play extremely well. We are hoping for 2-3 medals..." Sanjay Sing told ANI.

Earlier in the day, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) issued a statement claiming that Vinesh tipped the scales above 50 kilograms and was disqualified.

"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand," the statement read.

According to media agency ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi talked with Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and sought firsthand information from her on the matter and India's choices following Vinesh's disqualification. The Prime Minister requested that the IOA President look into all possible alternatives to support Vinesh's issue.