NEW DELHI: Anguished over the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday spoke to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha and asked her to lodge a strong protest with International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“Prime Minister Modi spoke to PT Usha and sought first-hand information from her on the issue and the options India has in the wake of Vinesh’s setback,” said a govt source.
He said that the Prime Minister asked her to explore the full range of options to help Vinesh’s case.
“He also urged PT Usha to file a strong protest regarding her disqualification if that helps Vinesh,” official sources said.
Consoling Phogat over her dramatic disqualification, the Prime Minister, in a post on X, said, “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.”
The Prime Minister further said, “Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on.”
Modi encouraged the wrestler, saying, “Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you.”
