In a gesture of solidarity, Khap Panchayats in India have decided to honor wrestler Vinesh Phogat with a ‘gold medal’ after her heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympics. Phogat was ruled ineligible to compete in the 50kg freestyle event after exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams during the second weigh-in. Her subsequent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport for a joint silver medal was also dismissed.
The Khap Panchayats, a traditional council of village elders, are condemning the circumstances of Phogat’s disqualification, calling it an ‘intolerable’ injustice. Sombir Sangwan, president of the Sangwan Khap and a member of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, has stated that they believe a conspiracy was orchestrated against the wrestler. Despite the setback, they are celebrating Phogat’s incredible performance at the Games, where she won three matches before her disqualification. Sangwan has emphasized that Phogat has earned the admiration and respect of millions of Indians, surpassing the honor of a gold medal winner.
The felicitation ceremony for Vinesh Phogat is scheduled to take place on August 25th in Rohtak, Haryana. Leaders from Khap Panchayats across Haryana and neighboring states are expected to attend the event. Phogat returned to India on Saturday following her Olympic journey.
