The Cost of Glory: Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal Mishap

Former Indian wrestler and 2012 Olympic bronze medallist Yogeshwar Dutt criticized Vinesh Phogat for jeopardizing India’s chances of winning an Olympic medal and misrepresenting the country instead of offering an apology following her disqualification at the Paris Games.

Dutt, now a politician with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Vinesh's sister Babita Phogat, also in the BJP, participated in a debate on 'Aaj Tak' ahead of the Haryana Assembly Elections.

After her disqualification, Vinesh, who exited wrestling and joined the Indian National Congress, is contesting from the Julana constituency in Jind. She was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in for her gold-medal match in the women's 50kg freestyle event.

Following her elimination, Vinesh's appeal for a joint silver medal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport was denied. She announced her retirement at the Paris Games and later accused the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) of failing to support her.

Vinesh claimed that IOA president PT Usha used a photo of them together in the hospital in Paris to create a facade of solidarity, which she viewed as mere posturing. "Entering politics is a personal decision. I am with the BJP, Babita is with the BJP, and she (Vinesh) has chosen Congress.

However, the truth must be known," Dutt stated, referencing his strained relationship with Vinesh, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, who were prominent in the protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. "The events of the past year, including the Paris Olympic disqualification and the wrestling protests during the inauguration of the new Parliament, have misrepresented India’s image globally," Dutt said.

Regarding the Paris Olympics, Dutt remarked, "Vinesh ko poore desh se maafi mangni chahiye thi, ek medal ka nuksaan karvaya."

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