Paris Olympics Update: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was competing in the 50 kg category, faced disqualification after being marginally over the required weight limit on the second day of the competition. Unfortunately, Phogat’s hopes for a podium finish were dashed when she failed to meet the weight requirement on the morning of her gold medal bout.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) issued a statement expressing their regret over Phogat’s disqualification. “It is with regret that we announce Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the team’s best efforts through the night, she was a few grams over the 50 kg limit this morning. No further comments will be made at this time, and we ask that Vinesh’s privacy be respected as we focus on the ongoing competitions.”
Reports indicated that Phogat was approximately 100 grams over the weight limit, leading to her disqualification. According to the competition rules, she is ineligible for any medal, including silver. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that Yusneylis Guzman, the Cuban wrestler Phogat defeated in the semifinals, will replace her in the gold medal bout.
The IOC statement clarified, “According to Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh will be replaced by the wrestler who lost to her in the semifinals. Therefore, Guzman Lopez Yusneylis (CUB) will compete in the final. The repechage match between SUSAKI Yui (JPN) and LIVACH Oksana (UKR) will now determine the bronze medalist.”
Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris, described the intense efforts made overnight to help Phogat meet the weight limit. This included extreme measures such as cutting her hair, adjusting her clothing, and enduring rigorous sauna sessions. Although Phogat successfully met the weight for Tuesday’s matches, wrestlers must maintain their weight category for both days of competition.
Phogat, who reached the final against the odds, was reportedly 2 kilos overweight the night before and worked tirelessly, including jogging, skipping, and cycling, to make the weight. Despite these efforts, the final adjustment of 100 grams was not achieved. Sources also mentioned that Phogat experienced dizziness and dehydration, leading to a visit to the medical center.
Phogat had previously struggled to make weight in the 50 kg category, which is lighter than the 53 kg class she usually competes in. She had a similar challenge during the Olympic qualifiers but managed to qualify.
On Tuesday, Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, stunning world number 1 Yui Susaki of Japan and securing two more wins over competitors from Ukraine and Cuba. She was set to face Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, a wrestler against whom Phogat held a favorable head-to-head record.
