Farmer leader & Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) Spokesperson Rakesh Tikait on Wednesday sparked controversy after pinning the blame for Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics on the Modi Government. Rakesh Tikait took to his official X handle and shared his photo with Vinesh Phogat during wrestlers' protest days. Tikait penned a note in Hindi over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification and wrote, "(Translated version) This is a very sad news that no one could defeat the daughter of the country in the arena but she has been defeated in the arena of conspiracy. A medal of the country has become a victim of politics today. This country can never forget this day."
While talking to a news channel Rakesh Tikait said, "This is a well-planned conspiracy. 150gm weight doesn't go up or down. Yes, 1 KG can go up and down....1 gm of water can increase 250 gm of weight in your body. This has happened due to a conspiracy hatched by the Government of India. The way her (Vinesh Phogat) TRP was rising, the way her name was rising, Indian government thought that it would be an insult to them. This is a conspiracy of the government and the management that was part of Vinesh Phogat's team."
Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda talking to the newswire said, "We were waiting for her to win the gold medal. The whole country is shocked by this news. Vinesh was, is and will remain a champion in the eyes of the country. She worked hard and brought glory to the country by reaching the finals... Her weight was correct in all three bouts yesterday, so she should be considered for at least the silver medal. Indian Olympic Association should raise this matter with the Olympic Association ..."
What did the WFI President say?
On this, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh while talking to a newswire said, "It is extremely unfortunate for our country that even after wrestling so well and qualifying for the Finals, she was disqualified for being overweight by 100 grams. The Govt of India has provided her coach, nutritionist, and physio to Vinesh Phogat. All of them are with her in the games village, her weight was constant for 2 days but it increased overnight, the reason for this can only be given by her nutritionist and her coach. WFI is looking after the legal procedure. PT Usha has reached the games village, we will have a discussion and decide how to protest against IOC and UWW..."