Stop Politicising Vinesh Phogat’s Olympics Disqualification, There’s No Conspiracy: This Is

People need to understand that a sport has rules and there is no conspiracy behind Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the Paris Olympics, Adille Sumariwalla, president of Athletics Federation of India (AFI) and member, Mission Olympic Cell, told CNN-News18 on Wednesday.

Phogat — who had a dream run at the Olympics so far — was disqualified after she failed to make the stipulated weight on the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout. Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event. However, India’s hopes of securing at least a silver medal were dashed as she will now return empty-handed due to the disqualification — a heartbreaking development that also sparked conspiracy theories and murmurs of “betrayal”.

Speaking to CNN-News18, Sumariwalla said: “She somehow made the cut yesterday. After that, you are allowed to eat. She ate between her bouts because she needs her strength too. But they realised at night that she was overweight. They stayed up all night with doctors and others to reduce her weight. They did sauna, even cut her hair. But somehow, they couldn’t manage the few grams. There is no conspiracy. These are the rules. And this is sport.”

Asked how such a mistake could be made at this stage, he added: “It’s not a mistake. It’s the human body. It happens. But there is no conspiracy and people need to understand that.”

Sumariwalla also said Vinesh is dehydrated and is being treated at the poly clinic that the Indian contingent has set up with top doctors like Chief Medical Officer Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala.

The AFI chief’s statements come amid a section of Opposition politicians alleging conspiracy behind Vinesh’s dismissal, alluding to a “betrayal” without providing any proof. Some of them also asked for an inquiry into the matter.

Sumariwalla’s sentiment was echoed by 2008 Olympic Torchbearer and journalist Digvijay Singh Deo who took to social networking platform X to say: “Stop this conspiracy theory. Gagan Narang, Dinshaw Pardiwala, her husband, physios, medical staff, IOA officials, people back in India, OGQ they worked through the night to cut her weight. Dr Pardiwala even said we cannot endanger her life.”

He added: “They tried everything possible. Vinesh was crying in pain as the body broke down. She was in the sauna early this morning in a last-ditch effort. But contingent officials told me not to sweat came out. This is cruel. She is not in hospital. She is in the Olympic village polyclinic getting intravenous drips to restore the levels. Her parameters are ok. How she is coping I do not know.”

Since the heart-breaking news, support has poured in for Vinesh from all quarters.

In a message to Vinesh, PM Modi tweeted on Wednesday morning and asked the wrestler to come back stronger. “Today’s setback hurts. 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,” the prime minister said.

He also spoke to Indian Olympics Association (IOA) president PT Usha about Vinesh’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 and asked her to explore the full range of options to help her case, sources said.

The prime minister urged the IOA president to file a strong protest regarding Vinesh’s disqualification if that helps her case, sources added.

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