Double Olympic medallist Neeraj Chopra has made a heartfelt request to the Indian public: do not forget wrestler Vinesh Phogat, regardless of the outcome of her current battle for an Olympic medal. Speaking at an India House event, Chopra highlighted a troubling trend among fans who often overlook athletes who do not return with medals from the Games.
“All of us know that if she gets the medal it will be really good. She would have got the medal if such a situation did not arise. If we don’t get the medal, people remember us for some time and say we are their champions but if we don’t get the medal they forget us as well…I just want to request people to not forget what Vinesh has done for the county,” Neeraj Chorpa said, emphasising that Vinesh’s contributions to Indian sport should not be overshadowed by a single missed opportunity.
Vinesh Phogat Disqualification and Legal Battle
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s premier wrestlers, faced disqualification from her women’s 50kg gold medal bout due to a minor weight issue—being just 100 grams over the limit. This disqualification prevented her from competing against the USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, leaving Vinesh unable to contest for the gold medal she had trained so hard for.
The decision sparked a legal battle, with Vinesh challenging the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The court, an independent body responsible for resolving sports-related disputes, registered her appeal and conducted a three-hour hearing in Paris, where Vinesh presented her case virtually.
Awaiting Final Verdict from CAS
The outcome of Vinesh Phogat’s appeal is eagerly awaited, with the CAS president extending the deliberation time to 6 PM local time on August 10 (9:30 PM IST). The decision will be crucial in determining whether Vinesh can continue to fight for her medal.
Neeraj Chopra’s plea serves as a reminder of the dedication and effort that athletes like Vinesh put into their craft, urging the nation to support and remember them, irrespective of their triumphs or setbacks on the global stage.
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