NEW DELHI: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was on Wednesday disqualified from the Paris Olympics for weighing 100 grams above the limit in the women's 50kg category, ahead of her maiden final.
Vinesh's unexpected disqualification occurred after she failed the second weigh-in, shocking the Indian wrestling contingent and dashing hopes for a medal.
Women's national coach Virender Dahiya and Manjeet Rani consoled Vinesh, who had earlier caused a stir by defeating defending champion and world no.1 Yui Susaki.
Despite the setback, Vinesh remained composed when speaking to her coaches.
"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'," news agency PTI was quoted Dahiya as saying as he shared the details of their meeting.
"Several IOA officials were also there to meet her."
Before the disqualification, Vinesh was on pace for at-least a silver medal.
The news of her disqualification deeply affected her teammates, confirmed by Dahiya.
Adding to the day's woes, Antim Panghal also faced disappointment with a first-round exit in the women's 53kg category due to technical superiority.
"She just could not play her game, did not look in her element," said the coach.
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