Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat who is currently in the hospital after disqualifying from the final of women's wrestling in the Paris Olympics 2024 opened up for the first time on his plans and disqualification from the marquee event. Vinesh who became the first Indian female wrestler to qualify for the semifinal was disqualified from the final because they was unable to fit in the weight category.
Women's national coach Virender Dahiya and Manjeet Rani met the feisty wrestler, who had caused a flutter at the wrestling arena by beating world number one and defending champion Yui Susaki in the opening round on Tuesday.
As the nation prepared to celebrate Vinesh's medal-winning run -- she was assured of at-least a silver -- Vinesh was disqualified when she could not ace the second weigh-in.
"It sent a shockwave through the wrestling contingent. The girls were feeling pretty low after the news broke. We met Vinesh and tried to console her. She was brave. She told us, 'it's hard luck that we missed the medal, but it is part of the game'," Dahiya said, sharing the details of their meeting.
"Several IOA officials were also there to meet her."
There was more bad news for Indian wrestling during the day when Antim Panghal made a first round exit in the women's 53kg, losing her opening bout by technical superiority.
"She just could not play her game, did not look in her element," said the coach.
India medal contenders for Paris Olympics 2024
India have clinched three bronze medals so far in the ongoing Olympics. All three medals are came in shooting where Manu Bhaker opened the medal tally for India. Indian Olympics gold medallist Neeraj Chopra is yet to perform in the multi-national event to repeat his last edition heroics in the finale of the Javelin throw. Apart from Neeraj, India's hockey team will be another medal contender as they will feature in the bronze medal event against Spain.
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