New Delhi:

Rajya Sabha Chair Jagdeep Dhankhar – often left sitting while opposition MPs walk out to protest various issues – turned the tables Thursday afternoon, walking out of the House amid demands to discuss wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics from a gold medal bout.

A disgruntled Mr Dhankhar also named Congress MP Jairam Ramesh for “laughing”; “I know your habit…” the Rajya Sabha leader said, as he lamented the lack of respect for the House Chair.

“It is not me… but the post of the Chairperson that is being challenged… it is being challenged because people think the person sitting in the chair is not worthy…” Mr Dhankhar began.

At this point there were comments from the Chair’s left, after which Mr Dhankhar pointed to Jairam Ramesh. “Now I have only option… after what I have seen today, for sometime I am not finding myself in a position to sit here,” he said, after which he stood up, folded his hands together, and walked out.

A video circulated by BJP leader Satya Kumar Yadav showed a nearly-empty House at the time.

Shameful behavior by @Jairam_Ramesh led to Dhankhar Sahib ji leaving the chair!

Congress leaders lack even basic decency in Parliament and then they have the audacity to blame others. pic.twitter.com/wWyF1mcrie

— Satya Kumar Yadav (@satyakumar_y) August 8, 2024

In his absence Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh chaired proceedings.

Shortly afterwards Mr Dhankhar returned and hit out at “unprecedented, indigestible” scenes in the House. “It is our bounden duty to take tough decisions (but) sublimity has been misunderstood as fragility, persuasion as weakness,” he said.

Mr Dhankhar also said he had “left to introspect” and had called a meeting of floor leaders.

ours earlier the Congress-led INDIA bloc staged a vociferous walk-out after Mr Dhankhar refused to allot time to discuss Ms Phogat’s disqualification. The Chairperson shut down Congress boss Mallikarjun Kharge and Trinamool Congress leader Derek O’Brien when they stood up to speak.

Mr Kharge wanted to know “who is behind” the heartbreak for Ms Phogat, who was looking to become the first Indian woman wrestler to win an Olympic gold. He, though, was told to sit down.

Mr O’Brien was similarly stopped. “You are shouting at the Chair. Your conduct is ugliest in the House. I condemn your actions. Next time I will show you the door…” Mr Dhankhar said.

As uproar increased in the House, opposition MPs staged a walkout.

READ | Vinesh Phogat Row In Parliament: Angry Opposition Walks Out

Mr Dhankhar then accused the opposition of believing only their “hearts are bleeding”. “The entire nation is in pain… But to politicise it is the greatest disrespect to her (Ms Phogat),” he said.

On Tuesday INDIA bloc members walked out of the Lok Sabha to protest their dissatisfaction over Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya’s brief statement about aid given to Ms Phogat.

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification has kicked up a political row, with the opposition quick to demand justice for the 29-year-old, who is one of three leading a #MeToo protest against former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, who was also the chief of the national wrestling body.

READ | Political Spats, “Conspiracy” Charges After Vinesh Phogat Disqualified

Meanwhile, a verdict on the Indian Olympic Association’s “strong protest” against Ms Phogat’s disqualification is expected this evening. However, sources have told NDTV no reprieve is likely.

Ms Phogat has been disqualified for being 100 grams overweight for the 50-kg event.

READ | “Goodbye, Wrestling”: Vinesh Phogat Says Retiring After Olympics Shock

And, in a surprise announcement this morning, she said was retiring from the sport.

With input from agencies

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New Delhi:

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor today said that Vinesh Phogat is “tired of fighting”, shortly after the wrestler announced her retirement following the shock exit from the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday.

In a post in Hindi on X, Mr Tharoor said, “This girl is tired of this system… This girl is tired of fighting.”

इस सिस्टम से पक गई है ये लड़की
लड़ते-लड़ते थक गई है ये लड़की…#SorryVinesh! https://t.co/PkAGIqv1HWpic.twitter.com/59N38rT3Lx

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 8, 2024

Ms Phogat, heartbroken over her disqualification, announced her retirement from wrestling today.

“Wrestling won the match against me, I lost… My courage is all broken, I don’t have any strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will forever be in your debt,” she wrote in Hindi on X.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for being 100 grams overweight, hours before she was to take on the US’ Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the historic 50-kg freestyle gold medal match.

She had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night and was assured of at least a silver medal.

The 29-year-old grappler, who usually competes in the 53 kg category, had moved down to the 50 kg weight class for the Paris Olympic Games.

Shortly after her disqualification, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her “a champion among champions” and urged her to “come back stronger”.

“Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair I am experiencing. At the same time… you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. We are rooting for you,” he posted on X.

Vinesh Phogat Demands Olympic Silver

Vinesh Phogat has decided to file an appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics.

Ms Phogat, who is a three-time Olympian and has won gold medals in both the Asian and Commonwealth Games, has asked for a joint Olympic silver to be given to her.

The verdict is expected to be given today.

An ad-hoc division of the CAS has been set up in Paris for resolution by arbitration of any disputes arising during the Olympic Games or during a period of 10 days preceding the opening ceremony.

Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Ms Phogat in the semifinals, replaced her in the final against Ms Hildebrandt.

Ms Hidebrandt won the bout to claim gold and the Indian wrestler is now banking on the CAS to be a joint silver medallist with Ms Lopez.

New Delhi:

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics – for being 100 grams overweight – means a political battle is brewing between the BJP and the Congress-led opposition, particularly in light of sexual assault allegations against ex-wrestling body chief Brij Bhushan.

Phogat’s disqualification was followed by a flood of reactions from political leaders; Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the government’s charge focusing on her “resilience” – and called her “a champion among champions” and urging her to “come back stronger”.

“Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time… you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head-on. We are all rooting for you,” he said.

PM Modi, Ministers’ Message Of Support

The Prime Minister was joined by other senior members of the Indian government, including Home Minister Amit Shah, in hailing Ms Phogat’s “resilience”. Mr Shah, for example, said “this misfortune is an exception in her trailblazing career… am sure she will bounce back to win…”

READ | Can Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification Be Overturned? PM Modi

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju called Ms Phogat “a beacon of hope and pride for India”.

Finally, to underline the scale of political aftershocks of Ms Phogat’s sporting disqualification, Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya spoke in the Lok Sabha, accompanied by protests from the opposition.

READ | Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Out Of Olympics Over Weight, India Appeals

Mr Mandaviya’s statement, however, raised eyebrows.

Confirming the disqualification, he only declared the government had provided all possible assistance to Ms Phogat, which included personal staff and training facilities, and outlined expenditures made.

#WATCH | Delhi | INDIA bloc MPs stage protest at Makar Dwar of Parliament seeking justice for wrestler Vinesh Phogat after disqualification from Paris Olympics pic.twitter.com/8qZ6GqjbeT

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2024

Opposition MPs dissatisfied with his statement walked out of the House in protest.

“40 Crore Indians Shocked”, Congress Attacks

On X Congress MP Randeep Surjewala claimed a “conspiracy” (the word is now trending on the platform) and declared a “black day” in the history of Indian sports. “40 crore Indians are shocked… this is a huge “hate conspiracy”. But know that the country is with her…” Mr Surjewala said.

The Congress leader’s lengthy tweet also included detailed references to the #MeToo protest against six-time former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Singh, who faces charges of sexual harassment. Unmoved by his protestations of innocence a Delhi court said there is “sufficient evidence” to proceed.

“First the Wrestling Association President, the BJP MP of that time… Brij Bhushan Singh… tortured the country’s world champion daughter with physical and mental torture. Then BJP people got this daughter of the country dragged by police on the streets of Jantar Mantar (in Delhi),” he tweeted.

The reference was to shocking images of Ms Phogat being dragged away from a protest site in the national capital in May last year. Memories of that day were flagged Tuesday by fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, who called her a “lioness (who was) kicked and crushed in her own country…”

140 करोड़ भारतवासी स्तब्ध हैं,
खेल इतिहास का यह “ब्लैक डे” है।

ये एक बहुत बड़ा “नफरती षड्यंत्र” है,

पहले, कुश्ती संघ के अध्यक्ष, भाजपा के उस समय के मोदी जी के चहेते सांसद, बृजभूषण शरण सिंह ने देश की विश्व चैंपियन बेटी को शारीरिक व मानसिक प्रताड़नाओं से सताया,

फिर… https://t.co/wAZreZdZP3pic.twitter.com/ZSjHgnFH5c

— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) August 7, 2024

“This girl is going to conquer the world but she lost to the system in this country…”

Mr Surjewala’s strident post also contained four ‘questions’, including “who is the one who could not digest Vinesh Phogat’s victory”, suggesting the champion wrestler may have been sabotaged.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also responded, but with less controversial remarks. Mr Gandhi called the disqualification “unfortunate” while Mrs Gandhi Vadra said, “My sister… do not consider yourself alone… remember you will always be our champion.”

READ | Vinesh Struggled As Weight Increased By 1kg Overnight. Here’s What She Did

“Conspiracy Vs Conspiracy”

The “conspiracy” tag, however, was lobbed back by another BJP leader – former champion boxer Vijender Singh, who claimed a conspiracy against Ms Phogat and India’s other medal hopes by “people who are not happy to see India rise as a sporting nation”.

“I think it might be sabotage. 100 grams… you have got to be kidding me. Athletes can shed five to six kg overnight. It is difficult… but we know how to control hunger, thirst…” he said.

Mr Singh, a former Congress member, is the only Indian male boxer to win an Olympic medal.

“And, when I say sabotage, I mean people who are not happy to see India rise as a sporting nation. This girl has been through so much, your heart breaks for her…” he declared.

With input from agencies

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New Delhi:

Vinesh Phogat is not one to give and will surely make a strong comeback, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said in a social media post, as 1.4 billion Indians tried to come to terms with the massive heartbreak due to the wrestler’s disqualification from Paris Olympics.

“The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat, who defeated world champions to reach the finals, due to a technical reason is unfortunate. We hope the Indian Olympic Association will strongly challenge this and get justice for the country’s daughter. Vinesh is not one to give up and we believe she will make a strong comeback,” he said in a post on X.

“You have always made the country proud. And the whole country is standing firmly with you,” said the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge tweeted that Vinesh Phogat has gone through a lot. “The government should make all efforts to make an appeal with the @iocmedia and provide justice to our champion. We are with you @Phogat_Vinesh and our prayers are with you. Your courage is forever inspiring. We believe that you will return to the ring with greater determination,” he said.

India’s pride, Vinesh Phogat defeated world champions but has been disqualified due to technical reasons.

She went through a lot. From protesting at the footpath for justice to reaching the pinnacle podium of the Olympics.

It is extremely distressing of what she must be going… pic.twitter.com/jQnCKNdq0L

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 7, 2024

Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said Vinesh Phogat is fighting on the behalf of the dreams of crores of daughters. “Your performance gives flight to the dreams of crores of girls who come from small towns, contest against all challenges, fight the system, defeat negative circumstances and aspire to make it to the top. You have made the whole country proud,” she said.

Ms Gandhi said the country stands with Vinesh. “My sister, do not consider yourself alone. Remember, you will always be our champion. I believe you will come back strongly,” she posted on X.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, too, responded to the shocking turn of events that led to the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat, who was set to win at least a silver medal after a stellar show at the Games.

“There should be a thorough investigation into the technical reasons behind Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification before the final. The truth must come out,” he said in a Hindi post on X.

Vinesh Phogat has crashed out of Paris Olympics for being overweight by just 100 gm. She is competing in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category. She has earlier competed in the 53kg category, but brought her weight down for Paris Olympics. While she cleared the earlier tests, she was found weighing 100 grams more on Day 2 of weigh-in.

Vinesh, it is learnt, skipped meals, exercised and stayed up the whole night to ensure she meets the weight criteria. Indian officials also asked the Olympic committee for more time, but in vain.

What has made her disqualification more agonising is her stunning race to the final. Vinesh yesterday scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympics. She defeated the defending champion, Japan’s Yui Susaki, ending her 82-win streak. In the semifinals, she trumped Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, ensuring at least a silver medal for herself and big glory for India. And then, heartbreak struck.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the wrestler not to lose hope. “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. 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. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you,” the Prime Minister posted on X.

The Prime Minister, sources said, has spoken to PT Usha, veteran athlete and Indian Olympics Association president, on the options open to India and Vinesh Phogat in this case. The Prime Minister has asked the IOA chief to explore all options and has urged her to register India’s strong protest over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. India has already appealed against the Olympics body’s decision, but a decision on this is awaited.