Vinesh Phogat deserves silver

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar have publicly supported wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 finals for weighing 100 grams over the limit. Ganguly stated that Phogat deserves at least a silver medal, emphasizing that reaching the finals should warrant recognition regardless of the disqualification. Tendulkar echoed this sentiment, arguing that the rules should be reconsidered in her case, as her disqualification was weight-related and not due to ethical breaches. He highlighted that Phogat's impressive journey to the finals, including victories over top competitors, should not result in losing a medal. Phogat has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking a joint silver medal, and her retirement announcement has further intensified public sympathy for her situation. The verdict on her appeal is awaited soon, with widespread hope that she receives the acknowledgment she deserves.