- Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification from a landmark final due to being 150g over the weight limit.
- The wrestler allegedly took extreme measures, including drawing blood and cutting her hair, to meet the weight requirements.
- India has attempted to clarify the reasons behind their athlete’s weight issue.
India’s Olympic Committee expressed shock and disappointment following wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from her gold medal match for being 150 grams over the weight limit.
Phogat aspired to become her nation’s first female gold medalist in the women’s 50kg freestyle event and engaged in a demanding weight-loss regimen to achieve this goal.
This reportedly included extreme measures such as drawing blood, intense sauna sessions, and even cutting her hair, which led to her hospitalization.
However, United World Wrestling (UWW) removed her from competition prior to her match against the USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt, meaning Phogat will not receive a medal.
Phogat competed in three bouts on the same day, and India’s Olympic Committee claims that her post-bout weight gain was due to refueling between matches.
India’s Olympic Committee expressed their shock and disappointment at Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification.
Phogat was disqualified from India’s first women’s 50kg wrestling final for being 150g overweight.
‘I am shocked and disappointed at Vinesh’s disqualification,’ remarked Pilavullakandi Thekkeparambil Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Committee.
‘We are offering Vinesh all necessary medical and emotional support. We believe all Indians will stand behind her.’
Usha also confirmed that the Wrestling Federation of India had launched an appeal.
Phogat typically competes at 53kg but had already lost 3kg to fit into the 50kg category.
NDTV reported that the wrestler acknowledged using severe strategies to achieve weight loss, including intense sauna sessions, and her coach suggested cutting her hair to lose another 50g.
Phogat’s heats, quarter-finals, and semi-finals occurred on the same day.
Despite immediately resuming training sessions after her bouts without eating, her weight increased by 1kg, necessitating additional measures to compete against Hildebrandt.
After cutting her hair in an effort to meet the weight limit, she allegedly drew blood to reduce weight further—attempts that ultimately did not succeed.
Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, chief medical officer of India’s Olympic Committee, provided insight into Phogat’s predicament.
The Indian wrestler was seen recovering well in the hospital on Wednesday after allegedly drawing blood to meet the weight limit.
Phogat reportedly cut her hair and drew blood in an effort to reach the required weight.
‘This method of weight reduction can lead to weakness and loss of energy, which is detrimental to overall performance; thus, minimal water and high-energy foods are administered after weighing in,’ he stated.
‘Vinesh’s nutritionist estimated this at 1.5 kg. Sometimes, an increase in weight occurs after competition due to refueling.
‘Because Vinesh had three bouts, only small quantities of water were provided to prevent dehydration. Her post-bout weight climbed significantly. Her coach initiated the usual process used with Vinesh and felt assured it could be accomplished.
‘However, she was still found to be 100 grams over the 50 kg limit, which led to her disqualification.’
The news stirred sympathy among her supporters, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi labeling her a ‘champion among champions’ on social media platform X.
‘You are India’s pride and a motivational figure for every Indian,’ Modi expressed.
‘Today’s setback is painful. I wish I could convey the level of despair I feel. Yet, I know that you exemplify resilience. You have always confronted challenges with courage.
‘Rise again with even greater strength! We are all supporting you.’
