IOA lodges strong protest against Vinesh Phogat's disqualification: Sports Minister in LS

New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS): Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, addressed the Lok Sabha on Wednesday regarding the disqualification of Indian ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.

Setting the record straight on the government's assistance to the wrestler, the minister informed the House that she was extended all assistance and training for her preparation for the Olympic Games.

The Opposition, however, disagreed with the Union Minister's statement and walked out of Parliament.

"Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was 100 grams overweight, which led to her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh was competing in the 50 kg category. To compete her weight had to be exactly 50 kg," Mandaviya stated.

Explaining the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules, Mandaviya said, "As per UWW rules, players' weights are measured every morning of the competition. Article 11 states that if any player does not participate in the weigh-in or fails to meet the weight requirements, they are disqualified and placed in the last spot without a rank."

The Union Minister also mentioned that on August 7, the weigh-in for the 50 kg women's wrestling category took place between 7:15 A.M. and 7:30 A.M. (Paris time).

"Vinesh's weight was recorded at 50.1 kg, making her ineligible for the competition," he added.

"The Indian Olympic Association has expressed strong disagreement with the International Olympic Committee regarding this issue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with IOA President PT Usha, who is in Paris, and has asked her to take necessary actions," Mandaviya said.

Highlighting Vinesh's achievements, Mandaviya said, "Vinesh won three matches on Tuesday, August 6, becoming the first Indian woman to reach the Olympic finals. She defeated Cuba's Guzman Lopez Yusneylis in the semi-finals, Ukraine's Livach Oksana in the quarter-finals, and world-champion Japanese wrestler Susaki Yui in the pre-quarterfinals by a score of 3-2. She was set to compete against American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on August 7."

Regarding the support provided by the government, Mandaviya noted, "The Indian government has provided all necessary assistance to Vinesh Phogat. Personal staff, including notable Hungarian coach Woller Akos and physio Ashwini Jiwan Patil, were assigned to her."

He also mentioned the financial assistance provided by the government to the wrestler for her training.

"Additionally, financial assistance for other personal staff, including sparring partners and strength and conditioning experts, was provided. She received a total of Rs 17,45,775 in financial assistance for the Paris Olympics," Mandaviya concluded.

Dissatisfied with the Sports Minister's address, the Opposition MPs started shouting slogans and pointed out the government's conduct with the wrestlers in previous instances.

The Opposition claimed that the government was not taking any serious action on this matter.

However, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla did not allow them to speak.

Meanwhile, dissatisfied with Mandaviya's address, members of Congress, SP, and Trinamool, along with many other MPs, walked out of Parliament.