Sachin Tendulkar calls Vinesh Phogat's disqualification 'Illogical and unfair'
Sachin Tendulkar criticized Vinesh Phogat's disqualification, calling it illogical and unfair since she qualified for the finals legitimately. He argued that, despite the weight issue, Phogat deserves the silver medal she earned through her performance.
Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: While the nation eagerly awaits the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling on whether Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat will be awarded a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has voiced his concerns. Tendulkar criticized the rules that led to Phogat's disqualification, calling them illogical and lacking in sporting sense.In a social media post on Friday, Tendulkar urged for a reevaluation of the wrestling rules.
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified after being found 100 grams over the permissible weight limit on the second day of weigh-ins, although she was under the limit on the first day. According to United World Wrestling (UWW) rules, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom Phogat defeated in the semi-final, competed for the gold medal against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA. Hildebrandt won the final 3-0, securing the gold, while Guzman Lopez, despite losing twice at the Olympics, claimed silver.
This decision sparked widespread outrage both in India and within wrestling communities, with legendary American wrestler Jordan Burroughs spearheading a social media campaign to award Vinesh Phogat the silver medal.
What did Sachin Tendulkar say about Vinesh Phogat?
In a social media post, the sporting icon remarked: It's time for an Umpire’s Call! Every sport has its rules, which should be interpreted in context and revisited when necessary. Vinesh Phogat qualified for the finals fair and square. Her disqualification due to weight, which occurred before the finals, makes it illogical and unfair for her to be denied a well-deserved silver medal. A disqualification for ethical breaches, like using performance-enhancing drugs, would justify not receiving a medal and being placed last.
However, Vinesh earned her place in the top two through fair competition. She unquestionably deserves a silver medal. As we await the Court of Arbitration for Sport's verdict, let us hope and pray that Vinesh receives the recognition she rightfully deserves.
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