Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Paris Olympics Due to Weight Issue
In a heartbreaking development, Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after failing to meet the weight limit for her 50 kg gold medal bout.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced, “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 as we focus on the ongoing competitions.”
Phogat was reportedly about 100 grams over the permissible weight limit. As per the rules, this disqualification means she will not be eligible for a silver medal, leaving only gold and bronze in the 50 kg category.
Despite successfully making weight for Tuesday’s bouts, Phogat could not maintain the required weight limit for both days of the competition. The Indian delegation sought additional time for her to shed the excess weight, but their request was denied.
This incident is not the first time Phogat has faced challenges with weight management in the 50 kg category, a step down from her usual 53 kg weight class. She encountered similar difficulties during the Olympic qualifiers.
Phogat’s journey to the final had been remarkable. She became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, defeating the world number 1, Yui Susaki, and securing impressive victories over competitors from Ukraine and Cuba.