In a major disappointment for India, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the gold medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024. She was a few grams over the weight limit just before her wrestling final against Sarah Hildebrandt from the USA in the 50kg freestyle event.
Vinesh met the weight criteria during the qualifier and semi-final rounds but was found to be 150 grams overweight before the final. This disqualification means she is not eligible for a silver medal either. Let’s explore how the weigh-in rules work for Olympic wrestling.
Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was aiming for gold at the Paris Olympics 2024, has been disqualified from the competition. She was competing in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category but was found to be over the weight limit.
Vinesh usually competes in the 53kg category but reduced her weight to 50kg for the Olympics. However, on the second day of her weigh-in, she was over the limit by about 100 grams. The Indian Olympic Association has already filed an appeal regarding this issue.
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What Are the Weigh-in Rules for Olympic Wrestling?
In Olympic wrestling, specific weigh-in rules must be followed to ensure fair competition. Here are the key points:
Submission of Updated Entries: If there are changes in the final entries due to exceptional circumstances like an injury (confirmed by a medical certificate), the updated athlete list must be submitted by the team leader to the organizer at least 12 hours before the weigh-in and competition day for the concerned weight category. No changes are accepted after this deadline.
Daily Weigh-In: Each morning, wrestlers in the concerned weight category must participate in a 30-minute weigh-in and medical control. Only wrestlers competing in repechages and finals must attend a 15-minute weigh-in on the second morning.
Medical Examination Requirement: Wrestlers must undergo a medical examination on the first morning to be eligible for the weigh-in. They must present their license and accreditation at both the medical exam and weigh-in.
Weigh-In Attire: Wrestlers must wear a singlet during the weigh-in. There is no weight tolerance for the singlet. Wrestlers must be in excellent physical condition, with very short fingernails.
Multiple Attempts on Scale: During the weigh-in period, wrestlers can get on the scale as many times as they wish.
Referee Responsibilities: Referees ensure wrestlers meet the weight category requirements and fulfill all rules. They will not weigh wrestlers dressed incorrectly or who do not meet health standards.
Consequences for Missing Weigh-In: If a wrestler misses or fails the weigh-in (either the first or second), they will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last without a rank. If injured on the first day, they are exempt from the second weigh-in and will keep their results.
Was Vinesh Phogat Within 50kgs Earlier?
Vinesh Phogat, a 29-year-old wrestler, had a remarkable performance on August 7. She competed in the 50 kg weight category, starting with a victory over Yui Susaki of Japan, the top seed and gold medalist of Tokyo 2020.
Vinesh continued her winning streak by defeating former European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine in the quarter-finals and Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba in the semi-finals.
Vinesh Phogat Prepares for Paris Olympics 2024 by Reducing Weight
Over the past year, Vinesh Phogat has faced challenges not only in her wrestling career but also in her personal life. She emerged as a prominent protester against the former WFI chief and became India’s top hope for its first Olympic wrestling gold medal. Despite undergoing knee surgery that made her miss the Asia Games, she made a strong comeback.
To secure her spot in the Paris Olympics 2024, Vinesh needed to cut her weight to 50kg, down from the 53kg category she competed in during the last two Olympics. This change was necessary because Antim Panghal qualified for the 53kg category. Vinesh competed in three bouts in a single day and required electrolytes and supplements to restore her energy, which may have caused slight weight fluctuations.
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Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024 FAQs
Q.1. Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024?
Ans. Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the gold medal match because she was 150 grams over the 50kg weight limit just before the final against Sarah Hildebrandt.
Q.2. How did Vinesh perform in earlier rounds of the Olympics?
Ans. Vinesh Phogat met the weight criteria during the qualifier and semi-final rounds but failed to do so in the final weigh-in, leading to her disqualification.
Q.3. What are the weigh-in rules for Olympic wrestling?
Ans. Wrestlers must meet weight limits during daily weigh-ins, wear singlets, and pass medical exams. Multiple weigh-ins are allowed, but failing to meet the criteria leads to disqualification.
Q.4. Why did Vinesh Phogat need to reduce her weight to 50kg?
Ans. Vinesh needed to cut her weight to 50kg because Antim Panghal qualified in the 53kg category, making it necessary for Vinesh to compete in the lower weight class.
Q.5. What was Vinesh Phogat’s performance before the disqualification?
Ans. Before her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat had impressive wins over top wrestlers, including Yui Susaki, Oksana Livach, and Yusneylis Guzman, showcasing her strength and skill.
