Picture Credit: X
Rei Higuchi, the Japanese wrestler, who won the men’s 57kg freestyle gold medal at the Paris 2024, extended his support to Vinesh Phogat after she got disqualified from the Olympic Games for missing her weight by 100gms. The 28-year-old had also suffered a similar fate during the Tokyo 2020 Qualifier, getting disqualified from the event after being found overweight by 50gms.
After putting aside the disappointment of missing out on the Tokyo 2020 in his home nation, Rei Higuchi made a great comeback at the Paris 2024, winning the gold medal after defeating American Spencer Richard Lee 4-2. In the semi-final of the men’s 57kg weight category at the ongoing Olympics, he tackled India's Aman Sehrawat, who went on to win a bronze medal after defeating Darian Cruz of Puerto Rico 13-5.
Following his triumph at the Paris Olympics 2024, Rei Higuchi took to his official X account to quote a post from Vinesh Phogat, where she announced her retirement from wrestling. He wrote, “I understand your pain the best. Same 50g. Don't worry about the voices around you. Life goes on. Rising from setbacks is the most beautiful thing. Take a good rest.”
Moreover, after getting disqualified from the Olympics, Vinesh Phogat, who was slated to face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the gold medal match, appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). She wants the silver medal to be awarded to her after complying with the weight limit rules on day one of the women’s 50kg wrestling event at the Paris 2024.
The decision of the CAS is expected to be announced on Saturday, August 10 at 9:30 pm IST.
