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Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to being overweight is a matter of technicality and should not be politicized,
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics due to being overweight is a matter of technicality and should not be politicized, according to Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla. Phogat, who typically competes in the 53 kg category, made the switch to 50 kg for the Olympics.
Sumariwalla stated, “There is no conspiracy. If you are overweight, you are overweight. It’s a technicality. She always fought in the higher category and had to cut down on her weight. In such scenarios, there is always a chance of missing the 50 kg mark. There is no relaxation for excess weight.”
Phogat was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in, just hours before her scheduled gold medal match against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the USA. As per the wrestling rules, if a wrestler exceeds the weight limit of their category, they are disqualified from the competition.
The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with United World Wrestling, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to IOA president P.T. Usha to explore all options to help Vinesh’s case. The government provided full support to Vinesh Phogat, including appointing personal staff, for her training and preparations.
