“It’s part of the game” said a composed Vinesh Phogat to the Indian coaches after her unexpected disqualification from the Paris Olympics for being 100g over the weight limit in the women’s 50kg category on Wednesday. National women’s coach Virender Dahiya and Manjeet Rani met the resilient wrestler, who had stirred the wrestling arena by defeating world number one and defending champion Yui Susaki in the opening round on Tuesday.

As the nation eagerly anticipated Vinesh’s medal-winning performance—she was already assured of at least a silver—she was disqualified after failing to meet the weight requirement during the second weigh-in. “It sent a shockwave through the wrestling contingent. The girls were feeling pretty low after the news broke. We met Vinesh and tried to console her. She was brave. She told us, ‘It’s hard luck that we missed the medal, but it is part of the game,'” shared Dahiya, recounting their meeting.

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“Several IOA officials were also there to meet her,” added Dahiya. The day brought more disappointment for Indian wrestling when Antim Panghal exited in the first round of the women’s 53kg category, losing her opening bout by technical superiority. “She just could not play her game, did not look in her element,” said the coach.