Vinesh Phogat's Olympics fate in a headlock, but brands bring on the cheer
On early August 7, it was announced that wrestler Vinesh Phogat may be disqualified after the grappler was found 150 gm overweight ahead of women's 50kg final
On August 6, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat became the talk of the town as she pinned down the greatest-ever wrestler Yui Susaki at the Paris Olympics 2024 on Tuesday night. In a complete twist of fate, Phogat's sweet victory turned into bitter heartbreak after news broke of the star grappler's supposed disqualification.
Phogat reportedly brought her weight down to 50kg, but despite this, on the day of the competition, she weighed an excess of 150 grams.
? It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made…
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) August 7, 2024
While Phogat's future at the Olympics hangs by a thread, it was a celebratory day yesterday as brands created congratulatory posts for the ace wrestler.
Here is a hand-picked selection of posts on Phogat’s win:
Netflix India
THE GREAT INDIAN PHOGAT SHOW!! https://t.co/5hw8d2Dmg7
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) August 6, 2024
Spotify India
Medals on medals for @Phogat_Vinesh ✊ https://t.co/xBbd7P3Bjq pic.twitter.com/ASTcgNbAoF
— Spotify India (@spotifyindia) August 6, 2024
Swiggy India
SHE CAME. SHE ATE. SHE LEFT NO CRUMBS. #VineshPhogat #Wrestling
— Swiggy Food (@Swiggy) August 6, 2024
Uber India
Pickup of medal #4 has been reserved by #VineshPhogat! ?#Wrestling #Olympics
— Uber India (@Uber_India) August 6, 2024
Boat
Chhori gold laavegi ????
— boAt (@RockWithboAt) August 6, 2024
#olympics #wrestling
Regarded as one of the best wrestlers in the country, Phogat is the cousin of the legendary Geeta Phogat and Babita Kumari whose biopic Dangal was a massive hit in India and abroad. She was under the tutelage of uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat from a very early age.
She is a two-time Olympian with three Commonwealth Games golds, two World Championships bronze medals and one Asian Games gold medal. She was declared Asian champion in 2023.
Phogat was also the face of wrestlers' resistance against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Singh, who was accused of sexual harassment towards female wrestlers.
Phogat is managed by Baseline Ventures and her stellar performance will most likely see an upsurge in her brand value despite the disqualification. The sports marketing agency exclusively represents all commercial rights for her since 2022.
Her brand has earned commendable merit due to her multiple wins at Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships in the past. Phogat has also been honoured with the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award, and Padma Shri.
