Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification Overshadows Indian Olympic Success

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification Overshadows Indian Olympic Success

Ace Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the 2024 Paris Olympics ended in heartbreak despite her valiant efforts. After reaching the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event, Vinesh was disqualified due to a failed weigh-in by a mere 100 grams. The devastating news shattered the hopes of the entire nation, which had pinned its hopes on her for a medal.

Vinesh’s disqualification sparked outrage and disappointment, leading her to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). However, the verdict went against her, further dampening her spirits. Despite the bitter turn of events, Vinesh’s determination and resilience have earned her the admiration and respect of her countrymen.

While Vinesh may not have officially secured a medal in Paris, her performance has significantly boosted her brand value. According to the Economic Times, her fee for endorsement deals has skyrocketed, reflecting her increased popularity and marketability. Before the Olympics, Vinesh reportedly charged around INR 25 lakh per deal. However, she now commands a fee in the range of INR 75 lakh to 1 crore from a single brand.

Vinesh’s success has also inspired other Indian athletes. Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic gold medalist in javelin throw, returned home with a silver medal from Paris. Despite failing to repeat his gold medal performance, Chopra’s brand value has soared by 30-40%, reaching an estimated USD 40 million or INR 330 crore.

Manu Bhaker, another Indian shooting sensation, bagged two bronze medals in Paris. Her impressive performance has led to a surge in her brand value, resulting in a lucrative INR 1.5 crore deal with ThumbsUp. Before the Olympics, Manu charged around INR 25 lakh per endorsement deal. However, her Olympic success has seen her fee increase by six times.

The success of Vinesh, Neeraj, and Manu has not only brought glory to India but has also had a positive impact on the sports industry. Their achievements have inspired young athletes and ignited a passion for sports in the hearts of millions of Indians.

Manu Bhaker's Inspiring Journey from Humble Beginnings to Olympic Glory

Manu Bhaker’s Inspiring Journey from Humble Beginnings to Olympic Glory

Manu Bhaker, the celebrated Indian shooter who made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in the same Games, has shared a poignant throwback picture that captures her humble beginnings in the sport. The image, posted on social media, shows a young Manu practicing shooting with her schoolmates.

Fast forward to today, Manu stands as one of India’s most decorated Olympians, having etched her name in the annals of sporting history. Her journey to the pinnacle of success has been marked by unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Reflecting on her journey, Manu spoke candidly about the setbacks she faced, particularly after her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics. “It was very difficult for me to be confident again,” she admitted. “But I know the taste of losing and then winning. It’s the beauty of sports.”

Manu emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one’s goals. “To achieve the goal, we must put in a lot of hard work and effort,” she said. “It doesn’t always start with aiming for something big, you also have to work to achieve it. If you can dream big, you can achieve big.”

Beyond her sporting achievements, Manu also stressed the significance of embracing one’s cultural heritage. “I have travelled almost half of the world,” she said. “I have seen different kinds of people and cultures, their backgrounds and struggles. We should never be ashamed of where we come from.”

Manu’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and anyone who dares to dream big. Her message of resilience, hard work, and cultural pride resonates with all who seek to achieve greatness in their chosen fields.

CAS Upholds Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification for Overweight

CAS Upholds Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification for Overweight

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has released the detailed verdict of the sole arbitrator, Annabelle Bennett, who dismissed Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a silver medal after her disqualification for being overweight in the weigh-in before the final at the Paris Olympics.

Bennett acknowledged the persuasiveness of the Indian side’s arguments but emphasized that the clear-cut rules left no room for leeway. The rules state that wrestlers must remain eligible throughout the competition, from entry to the finals. Failure to do so results in elimination without ranking.

Vinesh, who won three bouts to reach the final, was marginally overweight at the mandatory second weigh-in the next morning before the gold medal bout. She argued that the excess weight was due to factors such as the menstrual cycle, water retention, and insufficient time to reduce her weight due to travel.

However, Bennett noted that the rules are clear and do not allow for any tolerance. Athletes are responsible for ensuring they remain below the weight limit.

Vinesh’s appeal for a shared silver medal was also dismissed as it was not within the arbitrator’s power. The UWW rules state that once a wrestler becomes ineligible during the competition, the consequences of elimination without ranking apply.

Bennett expressed sympathy for Vinesh’s situation, calling the disqualification rule “draconian.” She suggested that a fairer solution would be to eliminate the wrestler from the round for which they were found ineligible, rather than the entire competition.

The detailed verdict provides insights into the UWW’s weigh-in rules and the consequences of failing to meet the weight limit. It highlights the importance of athletes adhering to the regulations and the challenges they may face in maintaining their weight during competitions.

CAS Upholds Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification for Overweight

CAS Upholds Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification for Overweight

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld its decision to disqualify Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics final due to being overweight. In a detailed ruling, the CAS stated that athletes are solely responsible for ensuring they remain below the weight limit, with no exceptions allowed.

Phogat’s disqualification stemmed from being 100 grams overweight on the morning of the women’s 50kg freestyle final. She had appealed the decision, arguing that the excess weight was minimal and could be attributed to factors such as water retention. However, the CAS rejected her appeal, citing the clear rules regarding weight limits.

“The Rules are clear as to the weight limit and are the same for all participants. There is no tolerance provided for – it is an upper limit. It does not even allow for the weight of the singlet. It is clearly up to an athlete to ensure that they remain below that limit,” the CAS stated.

Phogat’s disqualification sparked controversy, with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressing disappointment. However, the CAS emphasized that the rules are impartial and must be adhered to by all athletes.

In her appeal, Phogat had requested a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semifinals but was promoted to the final after Phogat’s disqualification. The gold medal was won by American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.

The CAS’s decision serves as a reminder to athletes of the importance of adhering to weight limits and the consequences of exceeding them. It also highlights the impartial nature of the CAS in upholding the rules of sports.

Neeraj Chopra Settles for Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin Throw

Neeraj Chopra Settles for Silver in Paris Olympics Javelin Throw

Indian javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, the reigning Olympic champion, fell short of retaining his gold medal at the recently concluded Paris Olympics, settling for silver with a best throw of 89.45 meters. In a virtual press briefing, Chopra expressed his disappointment, acknowledging that he lacked the physical sharpness to push himself to his limits.

“Mentally, I was ready, but physically, I was retraining myself,” Chopra said. “My legwork on the runway was not how it should have been. My efforts were going in vain.”

Chopra’s silver medal came behind Pakistan’s Arshad Nadeem, who set a new Olympic record with a throw of 92.97 meters. Grenada’s Anderson Peters secured bronze with a throw of 88.54 meters.

Chopra’s performance was particularly disappointing given his previous dominance over Nadeem, whom he had defeated in all nine of their previous head-to-head matchups. However, Nadeem’s throw of 90.18 meters at the 2022 Commonwealth Games had surpassed Chopra’s top effort.

Chopra admitted that the last two to three years have been challenging for him in terms of fitness. “I am always injured,” he said. “I really tried hard, but I have to work on my injury (staying injury-free) and technique.”

Despite the setback, Chopra remains determined to improve and regain his status as the world’s top javelin thrower. He has already announced his participation in the Lausanne Diamond League, which begins on August 22.

Chopra’s silver medal is a reminder that even the greatest athletes can face setbacks. However, his determination to overcome adversity and return to the top is a testament to his resilience and unwavering spirit.

Vinesh Phogat Returns to Hero's Welcome Despite Olympic Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat Returns to Hero’s Welcome Despite Olympic Disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat returned to a hero’s welcome at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi on Saturday, despite the disappointment of being disqualified from the Paris Olympics due to being overweight.

Phogat, who was found to be 100 grams overweight on the day of her 50kg final bout, had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal. However, her appeal was dismissed on Wednesday.

Despite the setback, Phogat was greeted by a thick security cover and a crowd of supporters at the airport. London Olympics bronze medal-winning shooter Gagan Narang, who was the chief de mission of the Indian contingent in Paris, hailed Phogat as a champion.

“She came as a champion on day 1 into the games village and she will always remain our champion. Sometimes one doesn’t need an Olympic medal to inspire a billion dreams.. @vineshphogat you have inspired generations. Salute to your grit,” Narang posted on social media.

Phogat’s brother, Harvinder, expressed his pride in his sister’s achievements. “Vinesh is returning to the country. People have come here at the (Delhi) airport to welcome her. People are also waiting to welcome her at our village. People are exciting to meet Vinesh and encourage her,” he said.

Phogat is expected to receive a grand welcome at her native village in Balali, Haryana. Her return to India serves as a reminder of the indomitable spirit of Indian athletes, who continue to inspire the nation even in the face of adversity.

Vinesh Phogat Hints at Retirement U-Turn After Paris Olympics Appeal Denied

Vinesh Phogat Hints at Retirement U-Turn After Paris Olympics Appeal Denied

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has hinted at a possible reversal of her retirement decision in a lengthy social media post, two days after her appeal for a joint silver medal at the Paris Olympics was denied.

In her post, Phogat expressed regret over her hasty retirement announcement, which she made after being disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Tokyo Games. She acknowledged that she could have continued wrestling until 2032 “under different circumstances.”

“Maybe under different circumstances, I could see myself playing till 2032, because the fight in me and wrestling in me will always be there,” said the 29-year-old. “I can’t predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing.”

Phogat’s retirement announcement had shocked the wrestling community, as she is one of India’s most decorated wrestlers. She has won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships.

Her decision to reconsider her retirement is a welcome development for Indian wrestling. Phogat is a role model for young wrestlers and her continued presence in the sport would inspire a new generation of athletes.

It remains to be seen whether Phogat will officially withdraw her retirement announcement. However, her latest post suggests that she is open to the possibility of continuing her wrestling career.

Vinesh Phogat Breaks Silence on Paris Olympics Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat Breaks Silence on Paris Olympics Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat, India’s wrestling star, has finally broken her silence on the heartbreaking disqualification that shattered her Olympic dreams at the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat, who made history as the first Indian woman to reach a wrestling final at the Olympics, was disqualified on the morning of her event on August 7 due to being 100 grams overweight.

The disqualification sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community, and Phogat and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) immediately appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal. However, their appeal was dismissed, leaving Phogat devastated.

From August 7 to August 15, Phogat remained silent about her ordeal. But on Friday, she finally broke her long silence with a three-page post on social media. In her post, Phogat opened up about the significance of the Paris Olympics for her and the reasons behind her disqualification.

“During the wrestlers protest, I was fighting hard to protect the sanctity of women in India, the sanctity and values of our Indian flag,” Phogat wrote. “But when one looks at the pictures of me with the Indian flag from 28th May 2023, it haunts me. It was my wish to have the Indian flag fly high this Olympics, to have a picture of the Indian flag with me that truly represents its value and restores its sanctity.”

Phogat added that she refused to surrender to the circumstances. “There is so much more to say and so much more to tell, but words will never be enough,” she wrote. “On the night of 6th August and the morning of 7th August, all I want to say is that we did not give up, our efforts did not stop, and we did not surrender, but the clock stopped and the time was not fair.”

Phogat’s disqualification has raised questions about the fairness of the weight-cutting process in wrestling. Phogat has alleged that she was not given proper time to rehydrate after the weigh-in, which contributed to her being overweight.

Despite the setback, Phogat remains determined to continue fighting for what she believes in. “I can’t predict what the future holds for me, and what awaits me in this journey next, but I am sure that I will continue to fight always for what I believe in and for the right thing,” she wrote.

PM Modi Hosts Reception for Indian Olympic Contingent, Praises Athletes' Efforts

PM Modi Hosts Reception for Indian Olympic Contingent, Praises Athletes’ Efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a reception for the Indian contingent that participated in the recently concluded Paris Olympics. The event was held after the Independence Day celebrations at Red Fort, where the athletes were also in attendance.

During the reception, Modi interacted with the athletes, including Lakshya Sen, who finished fourth in the men’s singles badminton competition. Modi praised Sen’s performance and noted his growth since their first meeting. Sen revealed that his coach, Prakash Padukone, had taken away his phone during the matches to minimize distractions.

Modi also had a light-hearted conversation with hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh, who shared the team’s experience of playing with 10 men for over 40 minutes in the quarterfinal against Great Britain. Singh credited the coaching staff and the team’s motivation for their success in overcoming the adversity.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the efforts of all the athletes who represented India and expressed his belief that the Paris Olympics will be a turning point for Indian sports. He emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and using it to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, which India is aiming to host.

Modi termed the athletes as “India’s soldiers of 2036 Olympics” and highlighted the value of their observations and experiences in planning for the future Games. He encouraged them to document their insights to ensure that India can provide the best possible facilities and management for the 2036 Olympics.

Vinesh Phogat's Historic Olympic Journey: Triumph and Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat’s Historic Olympic Journey: Triumph and Heartbreak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded wrestler Vinesh Phogat for her remarkable performance at the Paris Olympics, where she became the first Indian woman grappler to reach the final. During a meeting with Indian athletes and medal winners at his residence, PM Modi acknowledged Vinesh’s achievement, stating that it was a matter of immense pride for the nation.

Vinesh’s historic feat was unfortunately marred by her disqualification from the women’s 50 kg gold medal bout due to being weighed “few grams over” the permissible limits on the morning of the final match. The heartbreaking setback prompted Vinesh to announce her retirement from wrestling on social media.

Despite the disappointment, Vinesh’s illustrious career boasts three Commonwealth Games golds, two World Championships bronze medals, and one Asian Games gold medal. She also emerged as the Asian champion in 2021.

Vinesh appealed her Olympic disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal in the 50kg weight category. However, the Ad-Hoc Division of the CAS dismissed her petition, dashing her hopes of securing her maiden Olympic medal.

India’s contingent at the Paris Games comprised 117 athletes competing across 16 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, boxing, equestrian, golf, hockey, judo, rowing, sailing, shooting, swimming, wrestling, table tennis, and tennis.

The Indian team secured six medals at the Paris Olympics, including one silver and five bronze. While expectations were high for a historic performance, India narrowly missed surpassing its previous best at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where they won seven medals (1 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze) and ranked 48th.

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