Without dwelling on my credentials as a sports enthusiast and my experience as Secretary and Chairman of the Army Sports Control Board (ASCB), as well as my role as Chairman of the Games Technical Conduct Committee (GTCC) for the CISM 4th Military World Games, where athletes from 102 countries participated in Hyderabad and Mumbai in October 2007, I feel compelled to voice my concerns about the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the finals of the 50 kg women's wrestling competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Much has been written and broadcasted about the incident, with various sports experts, journalists, and commentators weighing in on what might have led to this unfortunate outcome. However, two key figures remain conspicuously silent: Vinesh's coach and her nutritionist/dietician. These individuals, who form the core support system for an elite athlete like Vinesh, bear the responsibility of ensuring she remained within the permissible weight throughout the tournament. Their silence raises critical questions. Why have they not spoken out? Is their absence from the public eye a deliberate attempt by the Chef de Mission of the Indian contingent or the Chairman of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to obscure the truth?
Noted sports journalist Boria Majumdar, with over 30 years of experience, recently responded to a question posed by Mojo Story editor Barkha Dutt on YouTube about whether there was a conspiracy behind Vinesh's disqualification. Boria, who is covering the Paris Olympics as an accredited media person, emphatically denied any conspiracy, basing his opinion on inputs from Dr. Pardiwala, the contingent's medical doctor, and Dr. P.T. Usha, Chairperson of the IOA. They presented a medically convincing justification for the incident, portraying it as an unfortunate mishap.
However, this narrative leaves many of us unconvinced. It is difficult to accept that a seasoned athlete like Vinesh, who has demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, could have been disqualified simply due to a mistake. The truth, I believe, lies in a deeper conspiracy, orchestrated by the very officials who should have supported her. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and its cronies, including Brij Bhushan Saran Singh, seem to have exacted their 'pound of flesh' from Vinesh for daring to speak out against the entrenched misogyny within the organization.
The atmosphere surrounding Vinesh's disqualification reeks of arrogance, entitlement, and a desire for vengeance. Her open challenge to the WFI's president, who is closely connected to the ruling BJP government, made her a target. Despite her appeal to the government and the Prime Minister for justice, she was left to fend for herself. The mainstream media, pro-government elements, and internet trolls turned her genuine protests into a farce, subjecting her to harassment and psychological pressure at a time when she should have been focused on her Olympic preparations.
Despite these challenges, Vinesh managed to reach the finals, defeating the reigning Olympic champion and securing a spot that guaranteed her at least a silver medal. This triumph, however, was short-lived. The final act of the conspiracy appears to have been executed on the day of the weigh-in, where something was administered to Vinesh, causing her weight to increase beyond the permissible limit. The coach and nutritionist, the only people who could provide clarity on this incident, remain silent.
The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat is a national shame, and it is imperative that this incident be thoroughly investigated. The truth must be uncovered, not only for Vinesh's sake but to ensure that no other athlete suffers a similar fate. The interests of sportspersons must always take precedence over the officials and federations that govern them.
Vinesh was betrayed by those she trusted, but her legacy as a heroic and courageous athlete will endure.
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