Javelin star Neeraj Chopra expressed his solidarity with wrestler Vinesh Phogat as she awaited the verdict on her appeal against disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Chopra acknowledged the challenging situation and expressed hope that people would remember Vinesh's significant contributions to the country, regardless of the appeal's outcome.
Neeraj Chopra Offers Support to Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg wrestling final after failing to meet the weight requirements. She subsequently filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with the verdict expected to be announced soon.
Chopra's Heartfelt Appeal
Having won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, Neeraj Chopra expressed his desire to see Vinesh Phogat awarded a medal. He emphasised that he wanted Vinesh to receive recognition for her achievements, stating that he didn't want people to forget her contributions to the country.
"If she gets the medal, it would be very good. If things had not panned out the way they did, she would have had the medal. I hope she gets it because if you don't have it around your neck, that thing stays in your heart," Chopra told reporters at 'India House' after a felicitation by IOC member and Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani.
"Today people might say that she is our champion but they will forget after a few days. Agar aisa na hota, a medal wouldn't have mattered. So, I hope she gets the medal. I just hope whether she gets the medal or not, people don't forget what she did for the country," he added.
IOC President Opposes Dual Silver Medals
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has dismissed the idea of awarding two silver medals in a single category. He stressed on the importance of strict adherence to weight categories, stating that athletes must meet the exact weight requirements at weigh-in to qualify for competition. Bach made it clear that no exceptions would be granted, even for minor weight discrepancies.
"If you ask generally of having two silver medals in one category then my answer is no. There are the regulations of the International Federation that have to be followed and the International Federation, United World Wrestling was taking this decision...Looking at the federation or everybody who has to make such a decision then when and where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100 grams we give it, but with 102 grams we don't give it anymore?... Now it's in CAS, we will in the end follow the CAS decision. But again, the International Federation, they have to apply and interpret their rules. So this is their responsibility," Bach told the media.
Neeraj Chopra makes history
Neeraj Chopra has etched his name in Indian sports history by becoming the first track-and-field athlete to win two Olympic medals. His gold medal victory at the Tokyo Olympics remains an unparalleled achievement for Indian athletics.
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