Shruti Suman
In a tragic turn of events, wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after failing to make weight on the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout.
“The Indian contingent regrets to announce the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class,” stated the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). “Despite the team’s best efforts throughout the night, she weighed in slightly over the 50 kg limit this morning. No further comments will be made at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy as they focus on the ongoing competitions.”
Earlier reports indicated that Phogat was approximately 100 grams over the permissible limit, leading to her disqualification. According to competition rules, Phogat is now ineligible for any medal, resulting in only gold and bronze medal winners for the 50 kg category.
Phogat had successfully made weight for Tuesday’s bouts, but wrestlers must remain within their weight category on both days of the competition. Despite efforts by the Indian delegation to secure additional time for Phogat to shed the remaining weight, their requests were denied.
This is not the first instance where Phogat has struggled to make weight in the 50 kg category, which is lower than her usual 53 kg class. She faced a similar challenge during the Olympic qualifiers but narrowly succeeded.
On Tuesday, Phogat made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. She achieved remarkable victories against world number one Yui Susaki of Japan, and subsequently defeated competitors from Ukraine and Cuba with tactical brilliance.
Phogat was set to face Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, a wrestler against whom she has a favorable record. However, with Phogat’s disqualification, Hildebrandt will be awarded the gold medal, and Phogat will return empty-handed.
Khushi Sikarwar
