In a significant setback for India's medal aspirations in wrestling, grappler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg women's wrestling event on Wednesday. Phogat was slated to face United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match. The Indian Olympic team issued a statement explaining that Phogat had exceeded the 50kg weight limit and was thus disqualified. "It is with regret that the Indian contingent announces the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50kg category. Despite the team's efforts overnight, she weighed in slightly over 50kg this morning. The contingent will not be making any further comments at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh's privacy and wishes to concentrate on the ongoing competitions," the statement noted. Phogat had secured her place in the Gold Medal match by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, India's hopes for medals remain alive in the athletics arena. Athlete Avinash Sable is set to compete in the 3,000 metre Steeplechase final on Thursday, which begins at 1.13am Indian Standard Time (IST). Earlier, Sable advanced to the final of the men's 3,000m steeplechase by finishing fifth at the Stade de France, clocking 8:15.43s. In other events, Mirabai Chanu will compete in the Women's 49kg category in weightlifting, and wrestler Antim Panghal will participate in the Women's Freestyle 53kg category's Round of 16 bout later on Wednesday. India has secured 3 medals so far at the Paris Olympics, all from the shooting competition.
