‘I Understand Your Pain…’: Paris Olympics’ Gold Medallist Rei Higuchi Comforts Vinesh

As Vinesh Phogat awaits the decision of her appeal filed with Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal, she continues to draw support from across the world with Japanese wrestler Rei Higuchi sympathising with the India star.

Also Read: Australian Breakdancer ‘Raygun’ Hits Back at Trolls

Vinesh was disqualified from the Paris Olympics’ women’s freestyle 50kg event after failing the weigh-in on the day of her gold medal bout. Thus, despite a dominant show en rout to the final that saw her beating defending champion Yui Susaki, she was not only denied the chance to fight for gold but also stripped of a guaranteed silver medal.

A heartbroken Vinesh, who took extreme measures before her weigh-in to shed the extra weight she gained overnight, announced retirement from wrestling.

Higuchi, who on Friday won the men’s 57kg freestyle gold in Paris, endured a similar fate as that of Vinesh during the Tokyo Games when he was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by just 50g.

“I understand your pain the best. same 50g,” Higuchi quoted Vinesh’s post on X in which she announced her retirement.

“Don’t worry about the voices around you. Life goes on. Rising from setbacks is the most beautiful thing. Take a good rest,” he added.

Higuchi defeated USA’s Spencer Lee 4-2 in the final to claim gold.

Meanwhile, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is confident of a positive outcome of their appeal in CAS after its ad-hoc division in Paris concluded the hearing that reportedly lasted three hours.

Vinesh has demanded a joint silver with Yusneylis Guzman Lopez as she was within the prescribed weight limit during her bouts on Tuesday.

“Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours,” the IOA stated.

Catch Paris Olympics 2024 Day 13 LIVE Updates Here. Stay updated with the latest from Olympics 2024. Explore India At Paris Olympics 2024 Today. Check the updated list of Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally. Check Paris Olympics 2024 Event Results.