Sudha Murty on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from Olympics final: 'Feel sorry about it'

MP and former chairperson of Infosys Foundation Sudha Murty and (right) wrestler Vinesh Phogat.

Sudha Murty on Wednesday said that she's sorry about wrestler Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the Olympics final but added that it's all part of the game.

Speaking to PTI outside the Parliament, the Rajya Sabha MP said, "It's a part of the game... I feel sorry about it."

Phogat had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. Till Tuesday, she was assured of at least a silver medal but will now return empty-handed due to the disqualification after she was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in on Wednesday morning.

Congress MP Selja raised questions about the team management, saying, “Managers are there, it is their job. All our athletes and sportspersons go there, and every little thing of theirs is monitored." "Their diet is watched over, what they are drinking, what they are eating, the type of food they are consuming. So, what was the reason this girl's weight increased? Who didn't pay attention? This has to be answered," she said.

"We were hoping since morning that this girl would bring home the Olympic gold medal, who has struggled on the streets, and today, this has happened to her. Why did it happen? How did it happen?" the Congress leader asked.

According to reports, the 29-year-old wrestler had spent Tuesday night skipping, jogging, and cycling to shed the extra 2kg she had gained after replenishing herself following three bouts. An India Today report stated that Phogat, her coach, and the support staff resorted to extreme measures such as cutting her hair and trying to draw out blood to reduce her weight, but in vain.

Vinesh Phogat was at the forefront of a lengthy protest alleging government inaction against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment by women wrestlers.

Congress MP Deepender Hooda called for a review of the decision that led to Phogat's disqualification.

"When the entire nation was sitting for Vinesh's final bout, hoping for her to win the gold medal, the whole country was stunned. Everyone feels the pain in their hearts, but Vinesh was, is, and will remain a champion for the entire nation. She worked very hard to reach the final," he said.

"While all the other players were practicing, she was sitting in a protest for justice, and then worked hard to reach here. In the eyes of the nation and the world, she is a true champion," the MP said.