Paris : Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified ahead of her final Gold medal match for 100 grams ‘overweight’.
Phogat who was supposed to fight for Gold medal match in 50 Kg Women’s Free Style. She reached there defeating Japanese World Champion Yui Susaki , Ukrainian Oksana Livach in Quarter finals, Cuba’s Guzman Lopez in the semi final.
Phogat is known for competing in 53 Kg but reduced her weight to participate in 50 Kg in Olympics 2024. Wrestling in this category, Phogat was found to have small amount excess 100 grams ahead of her final gold medal match in the weigh-in, therefore, as per the rules, she’s disqualified, shattering the medal hopes.
Phogat reportedly found out last night that her weight was up by 1 kg. Desperate to lose the extra weight, she went through a gruelling night of cycling and other exercise and managed to lose 900 grams, say sources. She didn’t sleep the entire night, hoping to correct her body weight before the competition.
“She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified,” an Indian coach told PTI.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification 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,” the IOA stated.
Despite the Wrestling Federation of India president writing letter to IOC to consider the situation and give atleast the Silver medal to her, the decision was overturned.
Vinesh Phogat was also disqualified from an Olympic qualifying event prior to Rio Olympics 2016 previously for being over weight by 400 grams.
With this disqualification , the 4th medal hope for India is shattered unfortunately.
