Mumbai (Maharashtra): Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole said that the intention with which Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics is "sports politics", adding that there should be talks on a bigger level.
The Congress leader said that there should be talks and discussions on a bigger level and Vinesh Phogat should get a chance to play.
"This is international-level politics. Vinesh Phogat was very close to winning a gold medal for the country. The intention with which she has been removed is sports politics. The way she has been removed, it is painful for the country. More than a tweet, there should be talks on a bigger level and Vinesh Phogat should get a chance to play," Patole said.
In a big blow to India's medal hopes from the wrestling arena, grappler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women's wrestling event for breaching the 50 kg weight mark. Vinesh was scheduled to take on the United States's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match today.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi consoled Vinesh after she was disqualified from the competition.
"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 on challenges head-on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you," the PM said in a post on X.
As per sources, the Prime Minister spoke to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and sought firsthand information from PT Usha on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh's setback. The Prime Minister asked the IOA President to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh's case.
He also urged PT Usha to file a strong protest regarding her disqualification if that helps Vinesh, the sources said.
A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent said that Phogat had tipped the scales above the 50 kg mark and was disqualified.
"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg 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," the statement read.
Vinesh Phogat had entered the Gold medal contest after beating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
"This is international-level politics": Congress's Nana Patole on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification
