Repechage- a new word I learned during Olympics
Till two days back, I had never come across such a word. Though I and many of us would be practically familiar with the content meaning of the word , I have never even imagined such a term was there.I read this term in an online news report on Olympics and in the context of Vinesh Phogat's disqualification in the wrestling event.
The word I refer here is 'Repechage'.
But on searching the net I could get more details'. 'www.nbcnewyork.com" in an article dated 31st July 2024 has this to say: "Many athletes don't want any part of the repechage rounds
Some have never heard of repechage. Others can't pronounce it (reh-puh-SHAAJ).
Most agree: They want no part of it — unless something disastrous happens, of course."
It adds "Based on a French word that literally means "second chance," the word has taken on its own meaning when applied to sports — mostly rowing, sometimes wrestling or martial arts and, now, track"
"https://olympics.com/" says that "Starting from the Paris 2024 Olympics, repechage rounds have also been added to all individual athletics track events from 200m to 1500m (including hurdles).?
Then, what is 'Repechage"?
Collinsdictionary.com explains it as 'a heat of a competition, esp in rowing or fencing, in which eliminated contestants have another chance to qualify for the next round or the final."
Has Repechage rule helped Indian participants in Olympics?
olympics.com gives the answer:
"Four of India's seven Olympic medals in wrestling have been won through repechage. Sushil Kumar (bronze at Beijing 2008), Yogeshwar Dutt (bronze at London 2012), Sakshi Malik (bronze at Rio 2016) and Bajrang Punia (bronze at Tokyo 2020) capitalised on their second chance."
I would seek the members to search and learn more details on this regard, for the sake sheer pleasure of knowing and learning.