Vinesh Phogat Disqualification: Wrestling Weigh-In Rule Explained

In a painful twist, Vinesh Phogat of India has been disqualified from the 50kg women’s freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 for failing to meet the weight requirement.

Scheduled to compete against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, Phogat was found to be a few grams over the 50kg limit on the morning of the bout, according to a statement from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

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The weigh-in process is crucial in wrestling competitions and adheres to the International Wrestling Rules of United World Wrestling. Here’s a breakdown of the regulations:

• Daily Weigh-In Schedule: Weigh-ins occur each morning for the relevant weight category, lasting 30 minutes. On the second morning, only wrestlers in the repechages and finals are weighed, with this session lasting 15 minutes.
• Medical Examination Requirement: Wrestlers must undergo a medical examination on the first morning of competition. Without this exam, they cannot participate in the weigh-in.
• Documentation and Attire: Wrestlers must present their license and accreditation during the medical examination and weigh-in. They must be in their singlets, with no allowance for the singlet’s weight. Wrestlers must also have short fingernails.
• Weigh-In Procedure: During the weigh-in, wrestlers can weigh in multiple times. Referees ensure compliance with weight and attire requirements. Any wrestler not in the correct attire will not be weighed.
• Results of the Draw: Referees will only control athletes on the official draw list. A wrestler who fails to attend or pass the weigh-in is eliminated and ranked last, without rank.
• Exceptions for Injuries: If an athlete is injured on the first day, they are not required to attend the second weigh-in and retain their results from the first day.

Phogat’s disqualification underscores the strict adherence to these rules, designed to ensure fair competition and athlete safety.

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