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Vinesh Phogat, India's celebrated wrestler, faced a heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 just hours before her final match due to being 100 grams over the weight limit for her category. Competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling event, Vinesh had successfully made weight earlier but struggled to maintain it as the competition approached. Her situation has sparked widespread concern and disappointment among fans and officials alike.
Vinesh Phogat, India’s celebrated wrestler, faced a heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 just hours before her final match due to being 100 grams over the weight limit for her category. Competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling event, Vinesh had successfully made weight earlier but struggled to maintain it as the competition approached. Her situation has sparked widespread concern and disappointment among fans and officials alike.
Weight Management Struggles
Vinesh, who typically competes in the 53 kg category, had worked hard to drop to 50 kg for the Olympics. Unfortunately, she discovered the night before the weigh-in that her weight had increased by 1 kg. In a desperate attempt to shed the extra weight, she engaged in a grueling night of exercise, cycling, and other physical activities, ultimately losing 900 grams. Despite her efforts, she was still found over the limit during the official weigh-in.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has since appealed the disqualification, but the rules are stringent. According to the United World Wrestling guidelines, any athlete who fails to meet the weight requirement is eliminated from the competition without ranking, which means Vinesh will not receive any medal, despite having secured a place in the final.
Prime Minister’s Support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his disappointment over the situation but praised Vinesh’s resilience. He urged the IOA president, PT Usha, to file a strong protest against the decision. The Prime Minister’s support highlights the national pride associated with Vinesh’s achievements, especially as she made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
Extreme Measures Taken
Reports indicate that Vinesh’s coaches and support staff took extreme measures to help her make weight, including depriving her of sleep and food for extended periods. They even resorted to cutting her hair and attempting to draw blood to reduce weight, which ultimately left her weak and dehydrated. Such drastic measures have raised questions about the responsibility of her coaching team in managing her weight effectively.
The Aftermath
As Vinesh’s disqualification reverberates through the sports community, the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has called for accountability among her coaches and support staff. WFI President Sanjay Singh emphasized that the responsibility for Vinesh’s weight management lies with her team and urged the government to take strict action against those involved.
Despite the heartbreak of disqualification, Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Olympic final remains a testament to her talent and determination. However, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the pressures athletes face in maintaining weight and the critical role of support systems in their success.
