Japan’s Rei Higuchi extends support to Vinesh Phogat: ‘I understand your pain the best’

Rei Higuchi, Japan’s 57kg freestyle wrestling champion at the Paris Olympics has extended his support to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in the 50kg weight class for being overweight by 100 grams over the permissible limit. Higuchi won the gold with a 4-2 victory over American Spencer Richard Lee.

In a remarkable comeback, Higuchi overcame his past disappointment of being disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers after he was found overweight by 50-gram weight. Following his Paris victory, Higuchi showed solidarity with Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, offering support amidst her own challenges at the Games.

In his post on X, Higuchi had urged Vihesh to reverse her decision of retirement.

“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,” 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. https://t.co/KxtTMw4vhL

— Rei Higuchi (@Reihiguchi0128) August 9, 2024

Back home in India, there was a massive outcry about the decision with legends like Sachin Tendulkar batting for the wrestler and slamming the decision for ‘defying logic and sporting sense’. Not just in India, Vinesh Phogat was getting plenty of support abroad too, with legendary wrestler Jordan Burroughs leading a social media campaign for her to be awarded a silver medal.

Vinesh Phogat tried sauna too (Source: AP)

“Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final,” he wrote on X.

American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, who brushed aside the Cuban’s challenge to win gold in the women’s 50kg category had also offered her support to Vinesh.

“She had an amazing day (Tuesday), did an insane feat and I don’t think she saw that happening — ending her Olympics like that — so, for sure, my heart goes out to her. She’s an amazing competitor, an amazing wrestler and person. It sucks, but at the end of the day it’s part of the job,” she said after winning the gold.

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After she was disqualified from the gold medal bout for being 100 grams over the stipulated weight, Vinesh Phogat, backed by the Indian Olympic Association, had appealed the decision to the CAS, which is the highest sporting court.

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