'A champion among champions' - PM Modi lauds Vinesh Phogat after hospitalization following her Paris Olympic exit

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced a devastating setback at the Paris Olympics. Star Indian wrestler was disqualified from competing in the women’s 50kg final due to being 100-gram overweight during the weigh-in. The 29-year-old athlete experienced an unexpected twist in her journey when she fainted shortly after her disqualification.

Phogat was swiftly hospitalized, with reports indicating that dehydration played a role in her collapse. The incident has sparked a wave of concern and support from across the nation, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi being among the first to offer words of encouragement.

The Prime Minister took to social media to express his admiration for Phogat, calling her a "champion among champions." He acknowledged the heartbreak that comes with such a setback but emphasized his belief in her resilience.

Here is PM Modi’s tweet:

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…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024

"Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for every Indian. Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing," Modi wrote, capturing the collective sentiment of a nation that had high hopes for Phogat's performance at the Olympics.

IOA informs PM Modi about the incident

Despite the disappointment, PM Modi's message was one of hope and determination. He expressed confidence that Vinesh Phogat would bounce back stronger, a trait that has defined her career thus far. “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,” he added.

In addition to his public statement, PM Modi reportedly reached out to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha to gather detailed information about the situation and explore the next steps for Indian wrestling in light of this setback. This gesture further highlights the significance of Phogat's role in the Indian sports arena and the government's keen interest in her well-being and prospects.