Ace wrestler Vinesh Phogat disqualified for being overweight ahead of final
PARIS, AUG 7: It usually never happens in professional sports. But in Vinesh Phogat’s case, it has happened. She was found 100g overweight and has been disqualified after the weigh in on the morning of her gold medal bout. As per the rules, she has to be within the weight (50kgs, her weight class) on both days of the competition.
India coach Virender Singh Dahiya confirmed the development. On Tuesday morning, her weight was at par but after the bout she was a tad overweight. She did cycling, skipping and whatever she could to reduce her weight. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) tried their bit and protested but as of now, those protests have not mattered. Even if there is no medal, she has won the hearts of a billion people.
The official statement was as follows:
“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.
She was about 1-1.5kg overweight last night. She did not sleep and was trying to reduce her weight as much as possible. In the morning she was about 100gm overweight and by the time she went for her weigh-in, she was 50gm overweight. The Indian contingent officials asked for time but time was up and the United World Wrestling could do nothing. The wrestler is weighed every day before their bouts. She has come down from 53kg to compete here. It’s simply bizarre how a medal she was confirmed of, slipped away.
Vinesh got dehydrated and started vomiting soon after failing to make the weight cut in the morning. She was rushed to Games Village medical centre with her team. The IOA officials and WFI president also accompanied her. Coach Virender Dahiya said she is okay and resting at the centre at the moment.
No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”
According to UWW’s latest statement, Vinesh Phogat (IND) failed the second-day weigh-in. As per Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, she will be replaced by the wrestler who lost to her in the semifinal. Therefore, Guzman Lopez Yusneylis (CUB) will compete in the final. The repechage between Yui Susaki (JPN) and Oksana Livach (UKR) will now determine the bronze medalist.
-The New Indian Express
