Despite being disqualified from the gold medal match just hours after making Olympic history, Vinesh Phogat’s courage and tenacity are still being praised by many online.
The Indian wrestler, who on Tuesday became India’s first woman to reach an Olympic final, will not compete in the women’s 50kg gold medal match because she was “several grams” overweight, the Indian Olympic Association said.
Many social media users expressed disappointment at the verdict but found solace in Phogat’s fierce activism against sexual harassment in sports, including bringing serious allegations against the former president of the Indian Wrestling Federation.
You are a hero of India #VineshPhogat ! You are a real world hero who jailed a Congressman and stood up for values when many refused to talk about it. Whether you come home with a medal or not, you will forever be a hero of India! #Olympics pic.twitter.com/lFnxGiAPTV
— easternerd (@GreenWireIndian) August 7, 2024
The Indian Olympic Association did not elaborate on the matter and requested privacy for Phogat.
The 29-year-old, who was scheduled to face Team USA’s Sarah Hildebrand in Wednesday’s final, beat cash medalist Yui Susaki of Japan by a 3-2 decision before beating Ukraine’s Oksana Ryvach in the quarterfinals and Cuba’s Yusneiris Guzman Lopez in the semifinals.
Many fans say her disqualification is especially heartbreaking given what Phogat means to women in her country. Last year, she led a group of fellow wrestlers in a protest against the actions of then-WFI president and lawmaker Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. In a January 2023 letter, the group accused Singh of sexually harassing several young female wrestlers. They also alleged that Singh had “mentally harassed and tortured” Phogat to the point of considering suicide after she failed to medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
The group led by Phogat has called for an investigation, Singh’s removal from his position and the dissolution of WFI. The allegations against Singh include groping and inappropriate physical contact. He was charged with assault, stalking and sexual harassment in June last year and is currently on trial. He has repeatedly denied the allegations.
“As veteran wrestlers competing for our country, we simply want to ensure a safe and secure space and environment for our young wrestlers, especially our female wrestlers,” Phogat and several other wrestlers wrote in a letter to the Indian Olympic Association. “They should not be subjected to an intimidating environment. We will not budge until the WFI president is removed from his position.”
Over the months, protesters have filed complaints with police and launched marches and other acts of resistance. Last May, Phogat and other protesters were violently dragged and detained by riot police for disturbing the peace as they tried to march to Parliament House. Singh also slept on the streets of New Delhi for 40 days before being charged.
“Today, we can look into the eyes of the man we have feared for so many years, without fear and with our heads held high,” Phogat wrote in the Indian Express. “Brigh Bhushan sends the message that we are not going anywhere until women wrestlers get justice.”
After Phogat’s disqualification, Indian opposition leaders suspended parliament and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak out against it. Modi has not condemned the verdict but has praised Phogat as a “champion among champions.”
Vinesh, you are a champion of champions! You are the pride of India and a source of inspiration for every Indian.
Today’s setback is tough. I wish I could put into words the sense of hopelessness I’m experiencing.
At the same time, I know you are the epitome of resilience. It has always been…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024
My remarks in Parliament today: “With or without medals, we salute you. You are a hero, Vinesh Phogat. Thank you for what you have done for India.”
Vinesh Phogat, the brave man who fought the entire system, deserves justice. Something is rotten. Very rotten. The truth must come out. pic.twitter.com/BeAHl0D3AS
— Derek O’Brien | Instagram (@derekobrienmp) August 7, 2024
What Vinesh Phogat did yesterday is far greater than any heroism we know of. With or without a medal, her story of iron will will be told for generations to come. She will inspire millions of girls to never give in to this corrupt system.
— Lord Miao (@RanjibMazumder) August 7, 2024
Dear @Phogat_Vinesh, you are pure gold to every Indian who roots for you. A champion among champions and a hero to every woman in India. I am so sorry what happened to you. Stay strong and stay strong. Life isn’t always fair 💔 Tough times don’t last but the strong ones do. Wish I was like that… pic.twitter.com/xuFS4l12GN
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) August 7, 2024
Why didn’t the universe give her this moment…why? Vinesh Phogat will long be remembered as someone who overcame all odds. She missed out on weight by just 100 grams…but she bore the burden of all the sacrifices like a hero.
Celebrate her and cherish her. She is one of a kind https://t.co/FUTTtqo9n8
— Arjun Menon (@ArjunMenon88) August 7, 2024
This article originally appeared on NBCNews.com.