Neeraj Chopra, India’s Olympic silver medalist, expressed his disappointment and sadness over the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics. Phogat, who had initially defeated Japan’s Yui Susaki in her opening bout, was disqualified for being overweight by approximately 100 grams.
Chopra, who witnessed Phogat’s triumph before his own qualification, was deeply affected by the news. “Whatever she has done here is an example,” he said. “To beat Yui Susaki is a huge achievement. And after that, what she has been through… I don’t understand the rules of wrestling well, but she was confidently on her way to gold.”
Chopra acknowledged Phogat’s remarkable journey, overcoming physical setbacks and injuries throughout her career. “Vineshji’s journey has been tough,” he said. “In 2016, she overcame a dangerous injury, and in 2020, she had more injuries. She has been through so many personal setbacks.”
“For her to come back from that, recover, and get herself to this position, it was going so well,” Chopra continued. “But then, maybe God wished something else for her. But we know that whatever she has done is great.”
Chopra’s empathy for Phogat stems from his own understanding of the challenges and sacrifices involved in Olympic competition. “I haven’t spoken to Vinesh yet, but I felt hurt for her,” he said. “I know how much hard work and dedication it takes to get to this level.”
Despite the disappointment, Chopra remains optimistic about India’s performance at the Paris Games. “We have a lot of talented athletes who are capable of winning medals,” he said. “We just need to stay focused and give our best.”
