PM asked IOA chief to take appropriate action: Mandaviya in Lok Sabha on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s freestyle 50kg wrestling competition at the Paris Olympics 2024 after being found overweight on the morning of the event.

Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Screengrab - Sansad TV

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has formally protested to the United World Wrestling (UWW) regarding the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has instructed IOA chief P.T. Usha to take "appropriate action" in response to the issue, said Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

In a statement to the Lok Sabha, Mandaviya detailed that the government provided all necessary support to Phogat, including personal staff, in light of the disqualification. Opposition parties walked out of the Lok Sabha over the matter.

#WATCH | Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya speaks on the issue of disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from #ParisOlympics2024

He says, "…Today her weight was found 50 kg 100 grams and she was disqualified. The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong… pic.twitter.com/7VkjoQQyIM

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2024

"Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight in the 50 kg category," Mandaviya said. "Weigh-ins are conducted every morning for each weight category, and on August 7, 2024, Vinesh's weight was recorded at 50 kg and 100 grams, rendering her ineligible for the competition."

"As far as assistance for her preparation is concerned, the Government of India has provided all possible assistance to Vinesh Phogat as per her requirements," said Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.

He noted that personal staff, who are experts in their respective fields, were appointed for her. "Famous Hungarian coach Voler Akos and physio Ashwini Patil are always with her. Apart from that, financial assistance was provided for personal support staff like various sparring partners, strength and conditioning experts for the Olympics," Mandaviya added.

The support staff details include:

• Coach Woller Akos

• Strength and Conditioning Expert Wayne Lombard

• Physiotherapist Ashwini Jeevan Patil

• Strength and Conditioning Expert Mayank Singh Garia

• Sparring Partners Shubham and Arvind

Mandaviya reported a total financial assistance of Rs 70,45,775 for the Paris Olympic cycle, covering participation and training in various international events and camps, including:

• Grand Prix of Spain

• International training camp in Madrid, Spain (July 3-13, 2024)

• Pre-Olympic training camp in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France

• 2024 United World Wrestling Second Ranking Series in Budapest, Hungary (June 6-9)

• International training camp at Tata Olympic Centre, Hungary (June 10-21, 2024)

• Fourth Ranking Series at Budapest, Hungary (July 13-16)

• Training camp at Budapest, Hungary (July 10-26)

Additionally, financial assistance was provided for training at Belmeken, Bulgaria (November 10 - December 3, 2022).

Mandaviya also stated that Rs 1,13,98,224 was given to Phogat for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Cycle. For the Paris Olympic Cycle, a total of Rs 70,45,775 was provided, including Rs 53,35,746 under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Rs 17,10,029 under the Annual Training & Competition Calendar (ACTC).

Some opposition leaders criticized Mandaviya for detailing the financial assistance given to Phogat for her Olympic preparations.

Mandaviya confirmed that the IOA has lodged a strong protest with the International Wrestling Federation and noted that Prime Minister Modi has directed IOA chief P.T. Usha to take appropriate action regarding the disqualification.