The pride and excitement that India felt on August 06 after Vinesh Phogat’s marvelous victory in the semi-finals against Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in women’s freestyle 50 kg wrestling, turned into a major heartbreak after the ace athlete was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 on August 07. Sharing the dream-shattering news, Team India informed about her disqualification, which was due to her reportedly weighing 100 grams more than needed to be qualified for the 50 kg women’s wrestling. It goes without saying that the announcement left the whole of India emotional and heartbroken as people were rooting for Phogat to clinch her much-deserved Gold at the finals.

“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg 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,” read the X (formerly Twitter) post by Team India.

Apart from playing an excellent match, the wrestler also etched history as she became the first Indian woman to reach the finals of wrestling games in the Olympics. Her victory against Japan’s Yui Susaki, who was known for a groundbreaking record of winning 82 games, was also one of a kind that left Indians proud and happy.

Amid all the celebrations, the disqualification surely hit hard, which was also evident in the reaction that people began to give after the sad announcement. From calling her the ultimate champion to consoling her, Indians did not shy away from showing their love and support for Phogat.

Taking to social media, people shared their take.

“Vinesh Phogat disqualified from the Olympics final because she is overweight by 100 grams. Biggest heartbreak of 2024 Olympics for India,” a user said.

“Vinesh Phogat, You may be disqualified, but you are already a winner. Of course, a medal would have been awesome, but your story is more awesome, and there is nothing that can take away from you. Proud of you,” added a second person.

“Her indomitable spirit and brilliant, brilliant fight. Not just in the Olympics but throughout. The Gold shines fabulously on her. Much deserved. Take a bow @Phogat_Vinesh,” added a third person.

“Massive heartbreak for Vinesh Phogat and team India- She was unstoppable, she ensured at least a silver for India, but now she's disqualified because of weighing a few grams over 50 KG. A cruel end of Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics,” added a fourth user.

“A potential Gold Medal and a guaranteed Medal has been taken away from Vinesh Phogat- The most cruel thing happened to a sportsperson,” said a fifth user.

“This is terrible and cruel . You prepare for this day for the whole life and you got disqualified because you were few grams more than 50 kg. This is sad beyond words. Whole nation is with you Vinesh . You are a champion,” added a sixth person.

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After the announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his sadness over the disqualification and asked the athlete to stay strong. He further called her India’s ‘pride and an inspiration’.

“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you. @Phogat_Vinesh,” read his X post.