Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Olympic Final After Failing To Make Weight
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced a devastating blow at the Paris Olympics on Wednesday, being disqualified just before the women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final due to failing the weigh-in. Phogat was scheduled to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal, but her weigh-in showed she was a few grams over the 50kg limit.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced the disqualification, stating, "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning."
The disqualification means Phogat will not receive a medal of any colour.
Phogat's disqualification is particularly heartbreaking considering her journey to the final, which included defeating reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki in a dramatic first-round match. Her efforts had brought hope to many, as she aimed to bring home a medal after her remarkable performance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sympathy, calling Phogat a "champion among champions" on social media and encouraging her resilience.
"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," Modi said.
The process of weight cutting is notoriously gruelling for wrestlers, involving significant weight loss efforts in a short period. Athletes often resort to extreme measures like cardio in sweat suits and steam sessions to shed the last few grams. Despite successfully making weight for the preliminary rounds, Phogat was 100 grams over the limit on the day of the final.
Phogat is not the only athlete to face such a situation at the Paris Olympics. There have been three other instances of disqualification for not making the weight limit, highlighting the intense pressure and difficulty of maintaining weight categories in competitive wrestling.
Disqualification brings attention to anti-sexual harassment protests
This event also brings attention to Phogat's significant role in the anti-sexual harassment protests within the wrestling community. Last year, she and other wrestlers protested against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, over allegations of sexual harassment. Singh has denied any wrongdoing, but the protests drew global attention and sparked fierce debates.
Fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, who also participated in the protests, praised Phogat's efforts, stating, "Vinesh Phogat is the lioness of India who won back-to-back matches today. This girl was kicked and crushed in her own country. This girl was dragged on the streets in her country. This girl is going to conquer the world but she lost to the system in this country."
Despite the setback, Phogat's journey and resilience continue to inspire many. Shooter Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist, expressed his support, saying, "Sometimes you don't need a gold medal to be a true champion to people."
