Paris Olympics 2024: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Competing In Finals; Misses Historic Medal
The Indian contingent and millions of fans, who were waiting to witness a historic boxing match, were in for a shock as wrestler Vinesh Phogat was eliminated for being overweight ahead of her final bout against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on Wednesday (August 7, 2024).
Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Competing In Finals; Misses Historic Medal
Vinesh Phogat reached the Paris Olympics 2024 Final by defeating the World and Olympic 50kg champion Yui Susaki on Tuesday night. She was all set to bring glory to the nation, however, she was disqualified for being overweight ahead of her final match against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt on Wednesday (August 7, 2024).
The news of the same was announced by the Indian Olympic Association via an official statement, that read: “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”
According to a report by The Hindu, India’s women’s chief coach Virender Dahiya revealed that Vinesh was found to be overweight by exactly 100gm during the weigh-in this morning. Dahiya said:
“The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Sanjay Singh and the IOA officials are in touch with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United World Wrestling (UWW) over the issue.”
Dahiya added: “Last night [Vinesh’s] her weight was up by one kg. We and her personal support staff worked to cut it down. Unfortunately, it was slightly above the limit.”
Dahiya also revealed that the weight of Antim Pangal, who would compete in 53kg on Wednesday was within the set limits.
Meanwhile, WFI president Sanjay Singh also informed that Vinesh Phogat has been hospitalized because of dehydration. According to UWW’s Article-11 on weigh-in, “For all competitions, the weigh-in is organized each morning of the concerned weight category. The weigh-in and the medical control last 30 minutes.
“The second morning of the concerned weight category only the wrestlers who participate in the repechages and finals have to come for the weigh-in. This weigh-in will last 15 minutes.
“The only uniform allowed for the weigh-in is the singlet…No weight tolerance will be allowed for the singlet.
“Throughout the entire weigh-in period, wrestlers have the right, each in turn, to get on the scale as many times as they wish. If an athlete does not attend or fails the weigh-in (the 1st or the 2nd weigh-in), he/she will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last, without rank.”
There can be exceptions on medical grounds, though.
Vinesh Phogat lost weight to compete in 50kg:
The two-time World Championships bronze medallist in 53kg, Vinesh Phogat had to drop down to 50kg after Antim secured the 53kg quota place by winning the World Championship bronze medal last year. After some confusion because of the suspension of WFI, Vinesh was given a chance to compete in the 50kg selection trials for the Olympic qualifiers and eventually, she won the quota place.
However, the road wasn’t that easy. In order to compete in the 50kg fight, Vinesh Phogat needed to lose seven to eight kg of her body weight to fit into the minimum weight category in the Olympics.
“I will have to manage my weight a lot better. I have brought myself down to 50kg after so long so I will try and maintain this as much as I can. It’s not easy for me not to put on weight because my muscle mass is very high,” Vinesh told PTI in April after winning the 50kg quota for India.
This never-before incident has left the fans disappointed as it has denied India a medal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Backed Vinesh Phogat After The Heartbreak
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also took to his social media and penned a heartfelt note for Vinesh Phogat after she suffered a heartbreak in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. PM Modi tweeted:
“Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India’s pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian. Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing. At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you. @Phogat_Vinesh”
Check out the Tweet:
Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for each and every Indian.
Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 7, 2024