In a shocking turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympic Games due to failing the second-day weigh-in. The reigning Asian Games champion was found to be 100 grams overweight, leading to her immediate disqualification. Now it has been learnt that Yusneylis Guzman Lopez has replaced the Indian in the gold medal match.
Yusneylis Guzman Lopez replaces Vinesh Phogat
According to the International Wrestling Rules, the wrestler who lost to the disqualified competitor in the semifinals replaces them in the final. Consequently, Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh Phogat in the semifinals, will now face USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal.
Repechage for Yui Susaki and Oksana Livach
With Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, the bronze medal match will now be contested between Japan’s Yui Susaki and Ukraine’s Oksana Livach, who were eliminated by the Indian and Cuban wrestlers, respectively, in the semifinals.
Paris 2024 Games statement on Vinesh Phogat
“Vinesh failed second day weigh-in. According to the article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh (IND) will be replaced by the wrestler who lost against her in the Semifinal. Therefore Yusneylis Guzman Lopez (CUB) will compete in the Final,” the Paris Games organising committee said in a statement.
Heartbreaking End for Vinesh Phogat
The disqualification is a devastating blow for Vinesh Phogat, who was considered a strong contender for the gold medal. The Indian wrestling fraternity is in shock, as this unexpected turn of events has ended their hopes of a historic victory.
The focus now shifts to the remaining Indian wrestlers in the competition, as they strive to bring home medals to console the nation.
