Vinesh Phogat, India’s star wrestler, was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just before her gold medal contest on Wednesday. Phogat, who had made history by becoming the first Indian female grappler to reach an Olympic final, was found to be overweight by only a hundred grams during the official weigh-in on the morning of the final.
Phogat had been due to meet United States’ Sarah Hildebrandt in Wednesday’s 50kg freestyle gold medal match. On day one of competition she met the weight criteria but became slightly overweight on day two hence disqualifying her for both gold and silver medals.
Indian Olympic Association Statement
Indian Olympic Association released a statement that broke this devastating news:
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. She weighed in at a few grams above 50kg this morning despite efforts by our team overnight. There will be no further comments from our side at this time. The Indian team appeals, however, to respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on competitions ahead.”
Vinesh’s remarkable journey in Paris
Vinesh, unseeded in the competition had incredible runs all through to finals. She beat top seed and defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan in round one. In quarterfinals she defeated former European champion Oksana Livach Ukraine and in semi-finals reigning Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman Cuba.
Understanding Weigh-In Rules
The weigh-in is an important process done in wrestling according to International Wrestling Rules defined by United World Wrestling strictly.Article 11 of Competition Procedure provides for:
Weigh-In Timing: Wrestlers must weigh each morning for their respective weight category. The initial weigh-in accompanied with medical control activities lasts for about half an hour. While there is another weigh-in on the second day for those repechage and finals that takes only a quarter of an hour.
Eligibility: Wrestlers who fail to weigh-in on either of the two days are disqualified from the competition. No consideration is made for small increments in weight.
Weigh-In Attire: During weigh-ins, wrestlers must be in their singlet with no permission for extra gram when it comes to singlet’s weight.
Multiple Attempts: You can step on the scale many times in this duration.
Medical Examination: The first morning of competition calls for medical examination by wrestlers failing which they cannot weigh in.
These tough rules exist so as to enable equitable competition and ensure safety of all participants involved.
