Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024, found slightly overweight.
India’s top wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was aiming for gold at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, was disqualified just hours before the final match. Vinesh, competing in the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit. Although she usually competes in the 53 kg category, she has managed to bring her weight down to 50 kg for the Paris Olympics. However, during the weigh-in on Day 2, she was found to be slightly over the limit by about 100 grams. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has filed an appeal against her disqualification.
The Background
Vinesh Phogat reportedly discovered last night that her weight had increased by 1 kg. Desperate to shed the extra weight, she engaged in a grueling night of cycling and other exercises and managed to lose 900 grams, according to sources. She didn’t sleep the entire night, hoping to get her body weight back on track before the competition.
After she exceeded the weight limit, Indian officials requested more time from the Olympics committee. However, sources indicated that there was very little room for negotiation.
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Statement of Indian Officials
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…
— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) August 7, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his despair but praised Vinesh Phogat’s resilience in an encouraging post. He also spoke to IOA president PT Usha and directed her to file a strong protest, suggesting that India should explore all options for appeal. Vinesh Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, her disqualification on the brink of winning a gold or silver left India in shock. Although Vinesh was assured of a silver, her disqualification means that she will not win any medal in the Paris Games.
Vinesh’s first bout in the Paris Games was arguably the toughest one as she faced Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, a four-time world Olympic champion who had never lost a bout in her international career. Despite this, Vinesh emerged victorious. Her struggles off the field helped her draw power and execute a perfect game plan, resulting in one of the Games’ biggest upsets.
Following her initial win, Vinesh defeated Oksana Livach of Ukraine to secure a spot in the semi-finals of the women’s 50 kg freestyle event, with tears of joy rolling down her cheeks. She then went on to outmuscle Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals, securing a medal and becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final.
But Tuesday morning brought heartbreak for Vinesh Phogat and a billion Indians.
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