‘Vinesh Phogat is a Champion for Us’: Haryana CM Saini Promises Felicitation Like Medalist

Haryana August 8 2024 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Thursday that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and honored like an Olympic medal winner, despite her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. He assured that Phogat will receive the same respect, rewards, and facilities that the state government grants to Olympic silver medalists.

“Our brave daughter of Haryana, Vinesh Phogat, performed brilliantly and entered the finals of the Olympics. Due to some reasons, she may not have been able to play the final, but she is a champion for all of us,” Saini wrote on social media platform X. He added, “Our government has decided that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and felicitated like a medalist. All the respect, rewards, and facilities that the Haryana government gives to the Olympic silver medalist will be gratefully given to Vinesh Phogat as well. We are proud of you, Vinesh!”

Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women’s wrestling event for breaching the weight limit, a significant setback for India’s wrestling medal hopes. She was set to compete against the United States’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match on August 7.

Phogat had secured her spot in the final after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals. Despite her disqualification, the Haryana government’s decision to honor her underscores the high regard in which she is held.

India continues to seek medals in other events, with Avinash Sable competing in the 3000 Metre Steeplechase final on Thursday. So far, India has won three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, all in shooting, with several near-misses in other disciplines.