She appeared unfazed, however, as such expressions are commonplace in rural Haryana, the heartland of Indian wrestling. Trailing 0-5 and desperate to win the bout, Vinesh went for a crucial pinfall. She looked poised to end the match. Surprisingly, the referee intervened, halting the action to award Vinesh four points instead of allowing her to complete the pin. The decision outraged Vinesh’s camp. Her husband, Somvir, walked onto the mat to protest the refereeing. He initiated the stoppage in play by throwing a water bottle onto the mat. Intense shouting and appeals followed.
