V.K. Sanju

There was a great deal of scorching cheek from various quarters within the country when Vinesh Phogat wrestled her way into the final, securing a chance for India to win either a gold or silver medal at the ongoing Olympics. Now, those same quarters will be secretly rejoicing as Vinesh returns empty-handed after her disqualification. It is certain that preparations to put Vinesh in the dock have already begun.

It is natural to suspect that Vinesh's disqualification might not simply be a mistake. A mistake happens once, but when repeated, it becomes a matter of irresponsibility or arrogance. In Vinesh's case, this weight discrepancy is not a first-time occurrence. It happened during the qualifiers as well. Depriving herself of sleep and exercising through the night, Vinesh managed to lose the weight needed for the next round, ultimately qualifying for the Olympics in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category earlier.

Technically, Vinesh's disqualification from an Olympic medal came down to a mere 100 grams. In reality, the previous night, Vinesh discovered a weight difference of 2,000 gms, that is 2 kg! The 100 gms that ultimately led to her disqualification was the residual weight after she burned off 1,900 gms through a grueling night of sleeplessness, intense workouts, cycling, and jogging.

In wrestling, those exceeding 50 kg can compete in the 53 kg category, a division in which Vinesh previously competed. It was only recently that the decision was made to move to a lower weight category. Whether this decision was hers or if she was compelled to do so is something only the wrestler herself can clarify.

Athletes typically do not handle these matters directly. Alongside their skilled coaches, they are supported by a comprehensive team, including dieticians, nutritionists and trainers, especially at prestigious events like the Olympics. Under such conditions, the likelihood of a weight discrepancy, as experienced by Vinesh, occurring without an error or oversight from the support staff becomes exceedingly obvious. Long shadows of deceit loom over the whole incident.

The needle of suspicion points to everyone—from those who prescribed Vinesh's diet to those who prepared it and supervised her training. This conjecture runs as deep as the fierce battle Vinesh and her team waged on the streets against Brijbhushan Sharan Singh, the then head of the Wrestling Federation of India.

This must be read in conjunction with the ban imposed on Bajrang Punia, who steadfastly stood by Vinesh and Sakshi Malik during their struggle, only to have it lifted within days.

"Though we have seen many fighters, none compare to Vinesh, who has not only vanquished her opponents but also challenged an entire system and stood tall in the pursuit of victory," was the resounding commentary when she emerged victorious after the semi-final bout. Indeed, this is true. Vinesh Phogat was among the brave few at the forefront, taking the fight against WFI head Brijbhushan Sharan Singh to the streets.

The protests demanding justice for the women wrestlers who suffered sexual harassment allegedly at the hands of Brijbhushan have, to date, not achieved their fullest aim. Though Brijbhushan was ousted from his position as head of the federation, he was swiftly replaced by a close confidant. This move directly contradicted the assurances given by the then Union Minister Anurag Thakur and others during their discussions with the protesting wrestlers, who were promised that neither Brijbhushan nor his close associates would contest the federation elections. This promise was blatantly violated.

Some contend that a staggering Rs 70 lakh was spent on Vinesh Phogat's Olympic training alone. It is noteworthy that this argument is being put forth at this moment by those who rally behind Brij Bhushan and the government apparatus that provided unwavering support and protection for him. Their reasoning can be strikingly juxtaposed with the comic scene in the film Jayajayajayajayahe, where a husband offer paratha for his wife after having battered her.

Should Vinesh's disqualification be uncovered as the result of deliberate sabotage, then those responsible must face the harshest of penalties, including a lifetime ban from associating with the nation's sports. Furthermore, if any of the so-called "patriots" who claimed that Vinesh and her team's protests had sullied the nation's image are found among the guilty, then nothing less than sedition charges should be slapped against them.