'Come Back Stronger, Rooting For You': PM Modi To Vinesh Phogat After Paris Olympics Disqualification

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he wishes words could express the “sense of despair” he is feeling about the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Calling the wrestler a “champion among champions”, he said though the setback hurts, India is rooting for her to come back stronger.

“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 challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the prime minister wrote on X.

Phogat, who stunned world number 1 and defending champion Yui Susaki in the 50-kg freestyle event, ensured India’s first silver medal in women’s wrestling on her road to the finals on Tuesday (August 6). With all hopes for the country’s maiden gold medal in this sport pinned on her, she was found to be 100 gm over the required weight for the category due to which she was disqualified.

After her disqualification, senior BJP leaders Amit Malviya and Kiren Rijiju were among politicians who said the news was “devastating” and “tough pill to swallow”. Malviya said: “The news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at the Paris Olympics is devastating.”

Rijiju posted old pictures of him and the wrestler and called her a “beacon of hope and pride for India”. “…We believe in you, Vinesh. India stands with you, cheering you on every step of the way,” he wrote on X.

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