Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
Vinesh Phogat breaking down after disqualification from Paris Olympics for being overweight.
Fact
Old video of the wrestler falsely linked to her Olympics disqualification.
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she was found to be overweight ahead of her gold medal bout in the women’s 50 Kg category leaving the sports enthusiasts heartbroken and shocked. Phogat then filed a plea in the Court of Arbitration for Sports against her disqualification. The verdict on the same is awaited.
In this backdrop, several social media users shared a video showing an emotional Vinesh Phogat breaking down as others seemingly console her. Those sharing the video claimed that it showed the moment of Phogat’s disqualification. Newschecker, however, found the claim to be untrue.
The video is being widely circulated on X with users claiming, “See and feel that unlucky time when @Phogat_Vinesh was disqualified at the Olympics so called “100gm” overweight rules.”
Such posts can be seen here, here, here and here.
Also Read: Paris Olympics – Old Visuals Of Neeraj Chopra And Arshad Nadeem Shared Out Of Context
Fact Check/Verification
On carefully analysing the viral footage, we spotted a board displaying the logo of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) along with some Hindi text in the backdrop. Phogat’s singlet did not carry any mark/logo of the Olympic Games either, raising our doubts.
We further noticed the watermark of “nnis” on the right corner of the screen in the viral video.
Taking a clue, we looked up the keyword “Vinesh Phogat” on the official YouTube channel of @NNISSportsNews, and found that a longer version of the same video was posted by the account on March 12, 2024.
Also Read: Old Video Of US Artistic Swimming Team Performing To AR Rahman’s ‘Taal’ Shared As Paris Olympics
“Watch Vinesh Phogat showing why she is the “Queen Bee” of wrestling with a stunning victory in the 50kg Final against Shivanee! Securing her berth for Worlds and Asian Olympics Qualifiers with a nail-biting win against Shivanee in the 50kg Final,” its description stated. The video featured the entire match between Phogat and Shivanee, and the former’s emotional reaction after winning the fight.
Furthermore, the board in the backdrop was clearly seen displaying the text “नेताजी सुभाष राष्ट्रीय क्रीड़ा संस्थान, पटियाला (Netaji Subhash National Institute Of Sports, Patiala)“ in the YouTube video.
The viral footage was also shared on the official X and Facebook profiles of “nnis sports” in March, 2024. “Vinesh Phogat got emotional after winning the 50kg final, securing her berth for the Asian and World Olympics Qualifiers!,” the posts stated.
Also Read: Old, Unrelated Videos Shared As Protests In Paris Over ‘Satanic’ Olympics Opening Ceremony
Conclusion
Hence, an old and unrelated video has been shared to show an emotional Vinesh Phogat breaking down following her disqualification for the Paris Olympics.
Result: False
Sources
YouTube Video By @NNISSportsNews, Dated March 12, 2024
X Post By @nnis_sports, Dated March 12, 2024
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
