India’s Olympic team is heartbroken after one of their top athletes, female wrestler Vinesh Phogat, faced disqualification just hours before her gold medal showdown for exceeding the 50kg weight limit by a mere 100 grams, despite making significant efforts, including cutting her hair, in a bid to secure gold.
The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, took to social media to convey his “despair” over the unusual circumstances surrounding the athlete known as the Lioness of India.
Phogat was set to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt from the United States in the final on Thursday evening. Earlier, she had successfully made weight before three bouts on Wednesday, but protocol required another weigh-in on Thursday morning. Despite running and skipping throughout the night to shed weight, she fell short by just 100 grams.
Modi referred to Phogat as a “champion among champions” and “India’s pride” in his message. He stated: “Today’s setback is painful. I wish I could express the depth of despair I feel. Yet, I know you embody resilience. It has always been your spirit to confront challenges bravely. Come back stronger! We are all behind you.”
Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist in 2008, expressed his deep disappointment, saying he felt “completely gutted.” He remarked, “Sometimes you don’t need a gold medal to be a true champion to people.”
Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, India’s chief medical officer, elaborated: “Wrestlers typically compete in a weight category below their natural weight, which provides an edge against opponents who may not be as strong. The weight-cutting process involves controlled food and water intake along with exercise and sauna sessions until the weigh-in.”
“Vinesh’s nutritionist calculated that she needed to cut about 1.5 kg, and there can often be a rebound weight gain after competing. Vinesh had three matches, so small amounts of water were essential to prevent dehydration. Her post-bout weight was found to be increased. The coach initiated the standard weight-cutting process he has always used with Vinesh and was confident it would succeed.
“Unfortunately, Vinesh’s weight was found to be 100 grams over the 50kg limit, resulting in her disqualification. All extreme measures, including cutting her hair, were undertaken, but she still did not meet the weight requirement.
“As a precaution, Vinesh was given IV fluids following her disqualification to avoid dehydration. We are conducting blood tests at a local hospital to ensure her wellbeing. Throughout this process, her health parameters were normal, and she is feeling well.”
Phogat emotionally affected Japanese journalists by defeating top seed Yui Susaki in her opening round on Wednesday. She was already well-known in her home country, having previously protested on the streets of New Delhi against sexual allegations in her sport.
PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association, expressed her shock and disappointment over Vinesh’s disqualification, stating: “I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village and reassured her of the complete support from the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the entire nation. We are providing Vinesh with all necessary medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation of India has appealed to reconsider the disqualification decision, and the IOA is pursuing this matter with utmost urgency. We are confident that all Indians will stand with Vinesh and the entire Indian team.”
