An Indian Wrestler, Vinesh Phogat Eliminated from Olympics
Due to Weigh-In Failure

Los Angeles/Aug 07, 2024
NRIpress.club/Ramesh/ A.Gary Singh

Vinesh Phogat,29, an India's top female wrestler, has been disqualified from the Olympic Games after failing to make weight before her final match. She was set to compete against the US's Sarah Hildebrandt in the 50kg freestyle category on Wednesday, which would have assured her at least a silver medal.

According to the Indian Olympic Association, Phogat weighed in slightly above the 50kg limit on the morning of the contest.
Her disqualification means she will not secure any medal and will be ranked last in the competition. The announcement has led to widespread disappointment in India, with an outpouring of heartbreak from fans.

This was Phogat's third Olympic appearance and her closest opportunity to winning a medal. On Tuesday, she made history by becoming the first Indian female wrestler to reach the final after defeating Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman 5-0.
Her journey included one of the biggest upsets at the Games, as she beat reigning world champion Yui Susaki from Japan to advance to the quarter-finals.

Reports indicate that Phogat was 2kg over the weight limit on Tuesday night and tried various methods to shed the excess weight, including cycling, jogging, and skipping.

Despite the team's best efforts throughout the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg the next morning, stated the Indian Olympic Association.

Extreme weight loss practices are common among wrestlers trying to meet category limits, often just hours before a bout, which can be dangerous as it involves rapid fluid loss. Such practices are also seen in other combat sports like boxing and MMA.

In her previous Olympic appearances, Phogat competed in the 53kg category. This was her first attempt in the 50kg category, and she reportedly struggled with the weight requirement during her Olympic qualifiers.
"The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy and focus on the competitions at hand," the association said, declining further comment.

Last year, Phogat led a protest by wrestlers against their federation chief, Brij Bhushan Singh, who was accused of sexually harassing female athletes—a charge he denies. The protest gained international attention, especially after police detained Phogat and other wrestlers when they attempted to march to India's new parliament building.

Following Wednesday's announcement, support poured in for Phogat, with fans expressing that she remains a hero to them.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

Vinesh is a "champion of champions" and an inspiration for all Indians.
"Today's setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing,"
"At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger! We are all rooting for you."

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