NEW DELHI: The Haryana government has decided to felicitate wrestler Vinesh Phogat as a medallist despite her disqualification from the Olympics for being overweight before the gold medal bout in the 50kg category. Announced by Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday, Phogat will receive the same rewards and honors as an Olympic silver medallist.
Vinesh Phogat made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final of the 50kg event at the Olympics. She was, however, disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in. The Haryana government has chosen to recognize her significant accomplishment despite this setback.
Chief minister Saini expressed support for Phogat on social media.
"Our brave daughter of Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, performed brilliantly and entered the final of the Olympics. She might not have been able to compete in the final due to some reason, but she is a champion for all of us," Saini posted.
He further added, "Our government has decided that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and felicitated like a medallist. All the respect, reward, and facilities that the Haryana government offers an Olympic silver medallist will be offered to Vinesh Phogat as well."
PTI reported that as per the sports policy of Haryana, Olympic gold medallists receive Rs 6 crore, silver medallists are awarded Rs 4 crore, and bronze medallists get Rs 2.5 crore.
Phogat, aged 29, on Thursday announced her retirement from international wrestling through social media. She mentioned the emotional and physical toll as her reason for stepping away from the sport and sought forgiveness from her supporters while expressing gratitude for their unwavering support.
Despite her Olympic campaign ending prematurely, Phogat's journey to the final and her contributions to Indian wrestling have been widely acknowledged. The Haryana government's decision to honor her underscores the state's pride in her achievements and recognition of her hard work and dedication.
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