'PM Modi Has Asked P T Usha To Take Appropriate Action Against Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification': Sports Minister Mandaviya

On the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya asserted that the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has opposed the move.

He explained that the weights of athletes are taken every day and if any athlete fails to meet the weight criteria, he or she is disqualified and positioned on the last rank of the respective event.

"The weight was taken at 7:15 am as per Paris local time. Vinesh weighed 50.1 kg and hence, she was disqualified. P T Usha is in Paris and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked her to take appropriate action," he said.

Praising Phogat's feat at the Paris Olympics, Mandaviya assured that the Indian government assisted the wrestler with whatever she needed and personal staff and experts were appointed for her.

The Sports Minister said that Phogat was given financial assistance of Rs 70.45 lakh for the Paris Olympics and specialised training camps in June and July.