Punjab CM Mann meets Vinesh’s uncle, Hooda seeks govt’s intervention

Ravinder Saini

Tribune News Service

Rohtak, August 7

The disqualification of international wrestler Vinesh Phogat in the Paris Olympics over the weight issue ahead of the final bout in the women’s 50-kg category has evoked a sharp reaction among political circles.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant accompanied by AAP’s senior state vice-president Anurag Dhanda today called on Vinesh’s uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat in Charkhi Dadri districtrictrictrict while former Haryana CM and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda demanded the Centre Government to intervene and investigate the matter.

“We are sad that Vinesh missed the gold medal due to technical reasons. Indian Olympic officials should have lodged a strong protest on the issue. Their responsibility should be fixed. India did not show seriousness regarding this matter. A similar case happened in hockey also, where among all the countries, only the Indian player got a red card. PM Modi stopped the war in Ukraine, but did not stand with the players. He did not congratulate Vinesh Phogat for reaching the final, but tweeted about her disqualification. This shows their seriousness,” said Mann.

The CM said first our players had to sit at Jantar Mantar for justice. This BJP government did not want the youth from ordinary homes to be successful anywhere. Such an opportunity came after a lot of hard work and prayers.

“Such mistakes are happening at such a high level. Coaches and physiotherapists are paid in lakhs. Have they gone there for holidays,” said Mann.

On the occassion, Mahavir Phogat said “We were told that she weighed 150 gm above the prescribed weight category for which she was disqualified. Now she will look towards the 2028 Olympic Games.”

On the other hand, Hooda while talking to the media in Rohtak described Vinesh’s disqualification as sad and unfortunate. “We had never seen this happen to any player standing on the threshold of a gold medal. The entire matter should be investigated and the Government of India should intervene in it in every possible way,” he added.

Hooda said whatever may be the result, Vinesh had proved that she was a true champion by defeating the world’s biggest stalwarts in this Olympics.

Fix responsibility

We are sad that Vinesh missed the gold due to technical reasons. Indian Olympic officials should have lodged a strong protest on the issue. Their responsibility should be fixed. — Bhagwant Mann, Punjab Chief Minister

Unbelievable

We had never seen this happen to any player standing on the threshold of a gold medal. The matter should be investigated and the government should intervene in it in every possible way. — Bhupinder Singh Hooda, former CM