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In a heartbreaking turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was set to clash against her American opponent in the final of 50kg freestyle wrestling category, got disqualified on the day of her summit clash. With this, India’s hopes of another medal, at least a silver, got shattered. Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit, and hence, was declared disqualified from the quadrennial tournament.
Apart from her, Mirabai Chanu, the Tokyo 2020 silver medallist weightlifter, finished fourth in her event, which turned out to be another heartbreak for fans back at home. All in all, August 7 proved to be a disappointing day for 1.4 billions.
In this article, we will go through all the major events that took place on Wednesday at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Wrestling
Vinesh Phogat disqualified from gold medal match
What comes as a heartbreaking news for all the Indian fans after Vinesh Phogat qualified for the final of women’s 50kg wrestling event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Indian grappler has suffered a disqualification after she failed to make the weight on Wednesday, August 7. The Indian wrestler failed to get to the weight on the morning of her gold medal match on Wednesday, which comes as a shock. Sources have informed that the wrestler was roughly 100 grams over the permissible limits, which led to her disqualification. As per the rule s in wrestling, Phogat will not be eligible even for a silver medal and the 50kg will only have a gold and a bronze medal.
India's Chief Medical Officer reveals 'extreme' measures taken to prevent Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at Paris 2024
India’s Chief Medical Officer at Paris Olympics 2024, Dinshaw Pardiwala opened up on Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and said that despite all the possible efforts, Phogat failed to meet the weight limit by a mere 100 grams. Dr. Pardiwala along with IOA President P.T. Usha released a video statement and opened up on all the measures taken by Phogat to cut her weight. He said, “Vinesh's nutritionist said that the usual amount that she takes is 1.5 kg over the day, which gives her enough energy for the bouts. Sometimes, there's a factor of rebound weight gain following competition. We had tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting off her hair, shortening her clothes.
Vinesh Phogat’s emotional call to mother hours before Paris Olympics 2024 disqualification goes viral
Vinesh Phogat, Indian wrestler, who suffered a big blow on the morning of Wednesday, August 7, talked to her mother a few hours ago and promised her to win a gold at Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat, who became the first ever Indian woman to reach the wrestling finals in the Olympics, suffered a big setback after she was disqualified from her gold medal match. However, a few hours ago, on the previous evening, Phogat talked to her mother and said that she would fight for gold.
Shooting
Manu Bhaker receives grand welcome as she arrives in India with two Olympic bronze medals
Star shooter and a double Olympic medallist, Manu Bhaker received a grand welcome as she returned to India after a successful campaign at the Paris Olympics 2024. Bhaker arrived in Delhi on Wednesday, August 7, where she received a warm reception by family and fans. As Bhaker landed at the New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, media, airport staff and fans got eager to get a glimpse of India’s newest sporting sensation. Notably, at Paris Olympics 2024, Bhaker created history by becoming first Indian in the post-Independence era to win two medals in one edition of the Summer Games. At the Delhi Airport, Bhaker’s parents, Ram Kishan and Sumedha were among the crowd, who were there to welcome their daughter after a historic campaign.
Table Tennis
Indian women's team suffers 1-3 loss against Germany in QF
The Indian trio of Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath suffered a 1-3 loss against Germany in the women's Table Tennis event at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian women's side were in action on August 5 where they took down Romania 3-2 to qualify for the quarterfinal stage at the South Paris Arena. The quarterfinal started on a disappointing note as the doubles pair of Sreeja Akula and Archana Kamath suffered a 5-11, 11-8, 10-12, 6-11 in the opening match of the best-of-five tie against Germany's Xiaona Shan and Yuan Wan. The misfortunes continued as Manika Batra had to settle for an 11-8, 7-11, 5-11, 7-11 loss to Annett Kaufmann.
Boxing
Taiwan warns of legal action against International Boxing Association for labeling Lin Yu-ting as ‘male’
Taiwan’s sports officials have threatened the International Boxing Association of taking a legal action after the organisation labelled a fighter as ‘male’. The IBA claimed that one of the Taiwanese fighters in the Paris Olympics 2024 women’s competition was ‘a man’. Taiwan’s Sports Administration said that it filed a “solemn protest against the IBA.” Not only this, but it also accused the regulating body of "continuing to publish false information to mislead the public and attempt to interfere with the Games".
Badminton
Saina Nehwal wants Vinesh Phogat to take blame for Paris Olympics 2024 disqualification
2012 London Olympics Bronze medallist Saina Nehwal opened up on Vinesh Phogat’s shocking disqualification from Paris Olympics 2024 after being overweight “by a few grams” in the women’s 50kg category. Nehwal, who won bronze in women’s singles in 2012 Olympics, expressed her disappointment with how things went for the wrestler. The shuttler, however, also pointed out that it was a mistake from Phogat’s part as well and she should take responsibility of the same. Nehwal said that since it is Phogat’s third Olympic appearance, she should not have made such a mistake.
Weightlifting
Mirabai Chanu misses out on medal in Women’s 49kg
Indian weightlifter Mirabai Chanu failed to secure a medal in the Women’s 49kg weightlifting event at the Paris O lympics 2024 as she finished with a score of 199 and settled for the fourth spot. Chanu was India's only competitor in the weightlifting competition in the 2024 Summer Games and was touted as one of the biggest medal prospects at the event. The 29-year-old took home the Silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Mirabai Chanu started the Women’s 49kg event with a successful 85 kg lift in her first attempt at the Snatch. But unfortunately for the 29-year-old, she couldn't complete her second lift of 88 kg.
