Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics sent ripples in the sports world and beyond. The wrestling sensation from India, who was earlier an inch away from clinching an Olympic medal, has been dealt an unexpected blow. What happened here is not just about the problems athletes face but has kicked off a storm on social media.
Disqualifying Moment
Vinesh Phogat’s dream of an Olympic medal was destroyed when it was just seconds away to fruition as the wrestler was overweight by a few grams in the morning weigh-in for the final of the women’s 50 kg wrestling category and hence was disqualified. This disqualification renders her ineligible even for a silver medal, despite becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final round of competition. News about her disqualification sparked an avalanche of support from fans and celebrities alike.
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Celebrities Rally in Support
Just after news of Vinesh’s disqualification, a strong reaction burst out of the entertainment industry. Celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Vicky Kaushal, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Sonakshi Sinha turned to social media to shower their solidarity with Vinesh Phogat, calling her a champion no matter what the result is.
Alia Bhatt's Heartfelt Message
Alia Bhatt took to Instagram Stories and shared her heartbreak, terming Vinesh an “inspiration to the entire nation” whose “resilience, courage, and hardships” cannot be belittled. Nothing is going to take away your resilience, nothing is going to take away your courage, and nothing is going to take away those hardships you went through to create history! Today, you must at least be heartbroken, and we are heartbroken with you. But, woman, you are gold; you are iron and steel! Nothing takes that away from you! A champion for the ages! There is no one like you.
Sonakshi Sinha's Support
Sonakshi Sinha took to Instagram Stories, stating her disbelief, calling Vinesh a champion. “Unbelievable! I can’t even begin to fathom how you must be feeling right now and honestly don’t know what to say except you were, are and will always be a champion,” she wrote.
Farhan Akhtar Encourages
Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar shared a photo of Vinesh and captioned it to express the collective pain of the nation. He wrote, “Dear @vineshphogat. One can only try and imagine how devastated you must be but still not fully understand. Heartbroken for you that the quest ended like this. But please know that we are all very proud of you and all you have done for the sport. You will always be a champion and an inspiration to millions. Keep your chin up.” His sister, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar corroborated it by calling Vinesh a “champion” and said, “You are gold! What you have achieved is beyond medals.” Dia Mirza also joined the chorus of support as she lauded Vinesh as a “champion.”
Vicky Kaushal's Tribute
Vicky Kaushal took to his Instagram Stories and shared a report of the wrestler’s disqualification, writing, “A winner beyond medals!”
Public Outrage, Questions Raised
The Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification has received much support, but besides the former, it drew in heaps of questions. Swara Bhasker and Huma Qureshi were seen questioning this “100 grams overweight” explanation on Twitter. Swara tweeted, “Who believes this 100 grams overweight story???” while Huma showed disbelief and urged that something needs to be done about it.
Reaction of Hema Malini
Earlier in the day, veteran actor and BJP leader Hema Malini reacted to Vinesh’s disqualification, expressing shock over the development. Reiterating the need to keep weight in check, she said it feels strange that she was disqualified just for being 100 grams overweight. Further, she added it is a lesson to all women and artists.
The Ordeal of Making Weight
The details of what Vinesh went through are utterly heartbreaking and shocking. In order to make the weight category, she reportedly starved herself of sleep and put her body through very punishing exercise. Indeed, immediately after the disqualification, she fainted due to dehydration and had to be rushed to the hospital.
A Champion Beyond Medals
Even in defeat, Vinesh Phogat embodies the very spirit of doggedness. She only put on record what was already known to those following her: the single-minded dedication with which she worked to make it to the final round of competition itself, defeating top-seeded opponents. And how celebrities and commoners alike supported her just underlined what impression she had left and what an inspiration she continued to be to millions.
The Effect of Vinesh's Story
Facing this setback, the story of Vinesh serves as a pointer to the challenges the athletes face and their grit in overcoming them. Her disqualification might have snatched the Olympic medal from her, but not the champion status from the eyes of her supporters. The outpouring of love and encouragement from members of the public and celebrities alike underlines the respect and admiration which she has built up through hard work and perseverance.
Leaving a Legacy of Inspiration
The Vinesh Phogat story has been an inspiration and impetus, a proof that champions are made not only by winning but with every fall, getting up again and continuing the fight. Her resilient and fighting spirit has just about served as a guide and influence to athletes and people everywhere. No doubt, her legacy will transcend to generations yet to come in the pursuit of dreams with gallantry and tenacity.
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