India’s ace grappler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she could not make the weight on the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout. Vinesh, a seasoned competitor in the 53kg freestyle wrestling category, had cut down to the 50kg category for the Paris Olympics. However, she was found to be over the weight limit during the weigh-in, leading to her disqualification.
On Day 2 of the weigh-in, Vinesh was found to be slightly over the 50kg limit, despite her rigorous efforts to meet the weight requirement. It is reported that she resorted to extreme measures, including skipping meals and running, in an attempt to cut weight. Vinesh stayed awake through the night, hoping to shed the extra weight. Indian officials sought additional time from the Olympic committee, but their pleas were unsuccessful.
In a statement, the Indian Olympic Association said, “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 by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”
The weigh-in process for Olympic wrestling is a stringent procedure conducted to ensure fair competition. Wrestlers competing on any given day must weigh in that morning. The competition for each weight class spans two days, and competitors must meet the weight requirement on both days. During the first weigh-in, athletes have 30 minutes to make weight, with the option to step on the scale multiple times within that window. Wrestlers weigh in wearing their singlets but no other clothing. In addition, they undergo a medical examination to ensure they are free from contagious diseases and have appropriately trimmed fingernails. For wrestlers competing on the second day, the weigh-in period is shortened to 15 minutes.
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