‘IOA has lodged strong protest with United World Wrestling’: Union Sports Minister in Lok Sabha on Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic disqualification

Union Sports Minister addresses Lok Sabha on Vinesh Phogat's Olympic disqualification

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya is making a statement in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday (August 7, 2024) on the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Olympics.

Citing the wrestling weigh-ins rule, Mr. Mandaviya said that since Vinesh was found to be 100 grams overweight, she was disqualified. “The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with United World Wrestling and PM Modi has spoken to IOA president P.T. Usha to take appropriate action.”

He went on to speak about Vinesh’s successful run at the Paris Olympics, up until her disqualification. He noted that as far as the training and preparations are concerned, the Indian government provided full support to Vinesh Phogat. “Even personal staff was appointed for her,” he said.

As the news of Phogat’s disqualification broke, Opposition MPs protested in the House during the Zero Hour demanding a statement from the government over the issue.

Also read | PM Modi asks IOA President P.T. Usha to explore full range of options to help Vinesh’s case

Some MPs also trooped into the Well of the House raising slogans demanding that the Sports Minister should answer.

As opposition MPs protested, Mr. Meghwal intervened and said the Minister would make a statement in the House at 3 pm over the issue.