Paris Olympics: How Vinesh Phogat deperately tried to reduce weight before weigh-in for 50kg final

New Delhi: Vinesh Phogat tried every trick in the book to reduce her weight to be eligible to appear in the 50kg freestyle final match at Paris Olympics on Wednesday.

Phogat had reached the title round on Tuesday to become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout and was assured of at least a silver but would now return left empty-handed after disqualification.

The 29-year-old has a history of struggling with weights and had dropped down to 50kg category from her usual 53kg category to qualify for the Paris Olympcis as Antim Panghal hadd booked a quota in 53kg.

After weighing-in within 50kg on Tuesday and winning three bouts to advance to the final, she was found to be above weight by around 2.7kg.

Under the supervision of the Indian contingent’s medical team, she undertook extreme measures of running through the night and using sauna to reduce weight.

But it didn’t reduce to the permissible limit as she was found to be above 50kg by around 100-150 grams, after which the International Olympic Council disqualified her.

‘Drastic measures’

“…Vinesh’s nutritionist felt that the usual amount she takes is 1.5kg totally over the day gives enough energy for the bouts. Sometimes there is a factor of rebound weight gain following a competition.

“Vinesh had three bouts, to prevent any dehydration, some amount of water had to be given. We found her post-participation weight had increased more than normal and the coach initiated the normal process of weight cut that he has always used with Vinesh,” Indian contingent’s Chief Medical Officer
Dr Dinshaw Paudiwala said in a video issued by the Sports ministry.

“Overnight we went ahead with the weight cut procedure. Despite all efforts, we found Vinesh’s weight was 100 grams over her 50kg weight category. We tried all possible drastic measures including cutting her hair and shortening her clothes. Despite this, we could not make that 50kg weight category. After disqualification, as a measure of precaution, Vinesh was administered intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration…”

Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha said that it has lodged and an official appeal to the IOC over Phogat’s disqualification, adding that the Wrestling Federation of India has also lodged a complaint to the United World Wrestling.

‘Shocking’

“Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic village polyclinic a short while ago and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India and the whole country,” Usha said.

“We are providing Vinesh with all medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation Of India has appealed to UWW & it is following this up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night so that she could meet the competition requirements.”

Vinesh Phogat was scheduled to meet sixth seed USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt in the final. Tje IOC has decided that Hildebrandt will have to fight Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba in the gold medal while Japan’s Yui Susaki will take on Ukraine’s Oksana Livach for bronze.

“Vinesh failed second day weigh-in. According to the article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh will be replaced by the wrestler who lost against her in the Semifinal. Therefore Yusneylis Guzman Lopez will compete in the Final,” the Paris 2024 organising committee said in a statement.

“Repechage Yui Susaki vs Oksana Livach (Ukraine) will become Bronze Medal Match.”

Statement from Dr #PTUsha, IOA President, and Dr #DinshawPaudiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent on #VineshPhogat

Credit @Media_SAI #SportsNews #Sports #News pic.twitter.com/Z71kWVhtPU

— Mid Day (@mid_day) August 7, 2024

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 Vinesh Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the 50kg gold medal bout but was disqualified for being overweight before the final.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today