In an unexpected and heart-wrenching turn of events, Vinesh Phogat, who had made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024. The disqualification came just before her highly anticipated gold-medal bout in the women’s 50kg category against American Sarah Hildebrand at the Champ-de-Mars Arena. Vinesh Phogat, 29, from Haryana, was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit on the morning of the final bout. This setback follows her remarkable journey through the Olympics, where she defeated the reigning world champion and number one seed, Yui Susaki of Japan, showcasing her formidable skill and determination.
Why Was Vinesh Phogat Disqualified?
The issue arose when Vinesh Phogat, who was within the permissible weight limit of 50 kg on the day of her qualifying matches, experienced a slight increase in weight after undergoing three intense bouts. Reports from Indian Express indicated that she was two kilograms over her weight class by nightfall. In a desperate attempt to shed the excess weight, Phogat and her team resorted to extreme measures, including jogging, skipping, cycling, cutting her hair, and even attempting to draw blood. Despite these efforts, she was still 150 grams above the required limit at the final weigh-in.
More Details On The Disqualification
According to the rules set by United World Wrestling, failure to meet the weight requirement results in immediate disqualification and the athlete being ranked last. This means Phogat will not only miss the chance to compete for gold but also lose any opportunity to claim a medal, as the disqualification removes her from medal contention altogether. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) released a statement expressing regret over the incident, detailing the strenuous efforts made to comply with the weight regulations and requesting privacy and respect for Phogat during this challenging time. The statement highlighted the intense pressure athletes often face in maintaining strict physical conditions required at elite competitions.
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification not only marks a significant personal and professional setback for the wrestler but also shifts the dynamics of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category, leaving Sarah Hildebrand to top the podium, with the remaining medals to be decided through repechage rounds.