India’s Wrestling Star Fails to Make Weight, Denied Chance at Historic Medal
In a shocking turn of events, India’s top wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the 50kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics due to a weigh-in controversy. Phogat, who had qualified for the gold medal bout after a series of impressive victories, failed to make the required weight on Thursday morning, weighing in a few grams over the 50kg limit.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class,” the IOA said in a statement. “Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”
A Crushing Blow to India’s Medal Hopes
Phogat’s disqualification is a devastating blow to India’s medal hopes at the Paris Olympics. The 27-year-old wrestler had been in top form, defeating Yui Susaki of Japan and Oksana Livach in the quarter-finals, and later beating Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the penultimate bout to secure a spot in the final.
A Triumph Turned to Tragedy
Phogat’s journey to the final was seen as a testament to her strength and resilience. Just over a year ago, she was at the forefront of an athlete-led protest against sexual harassment in Indian wrestling, sleeping on the streets of New Delhi to bring attention to the issue. Her fellow wrestlers had hailed her journey to the final as a personal and collective triumph for India’s wrestling community.
The Weigh-In Controversy
According to competition rules, wrestlers must stay within their weight category on both days of the tournament. Phogat had made the weight required to compete on the opening day of the competition but failed to do so on Thursday morning, weighing in a few grams over 50kg. This minor infraction has denied her the chance to win a historic medal at the Paris Olympics.
She made the weight for Tuesday’s bouts but as per rule, wrestlers have to stay within their weight category on both days of the competition.
The Indian Express understands that the wrestler, who reached the final defying all odds, was approximately 2 kilos overweight on Tuesday night. She didn’t sleep the whole night and did everything in her capacity to meet the criteria – from jogging to skipping and cycling. It is also learnt that Vinesh has been taken to the medical centre inside the village after feeling dizzy, due to dehydration.
A Cruel Twist of Fate
However, it didn’t prove to be enough. Sources said the Indian delegation pleaded for some more time to give her a chance to shed the last 100 grams, but to no avail.
This isn’t the first time Phogat has found it tough to make the weight in the 50 kg category, a lower one compared to the 53 kg where she usually competes. She faced a similar ordeal even during the Olympic qualifiers, where she narrowly made the cut.
On Tuesday, Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the final of the Olympics. En route to the gold medal bout, she stunned the world number 1 and odds-on favourite Yui Susaki of Japan and followed it up with two more tactically brilliant wins over the wrestlers from Ukraine and Cuba.
She was scheduled to meet Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, a wrestler against whom Phogat has a better head-to-head record. But the American will now be awarded the gold medal while Phogat will return empty-handed.
What’s Next for Vinesh Phogat?
While Phogat’s Olympic dreams have been shattered, she remains one of India’s most talented and determined wrestlers. Her journey to the top has been marked by numerous challenges and setbacks, but she has consistently shown the strength and resilience to overcome them. As she looks to the future, Phogat will undoubtedly regroup and refocus, determined to achieve her goals and make her country proud.
Reactions from the Sports Community
The news of Phogat’s disqualification has sparked a wave of reactions from the sports community, with many expressing shock and disappointment at the outcome.
- “This is a heartbreaking moment for Vinesh and Indian wrestling. She had worked so hard to reach the final, and to have it taken away from her like this is just cruel.” – Sakshi Malik, Indian wrestler
- “Vinesh is a true champion, and this setback will not define her. She will come back stronger and more determined than ever.” – Yogeshwar Dutt, Indian wrestler
Conclusion
The IOC’s official communication said that Vinesh failed second day weigh-in. According to the acticle 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh will be replaced by the wrestler who lost against her in the Semifinal. Therefore, Yusneylis Lopez will compete in the Final. Repechage between Susaki Yui (JPN) and Oksana Livach (UKR) will become Bronze Medal Match. Thus, Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification for Paris Olympics is a major loss for India’s medal hopes and at the same time an ironic blow for the gifted wrestler. Though she failed to make the Olympics that she so much desired, Phogat is now and always will be a champion to all. In the final analysis, she will surely re-strategise for a comeback in preparation for all the competitions, a determined woman on the mission to deliver her best for her country.
FAQ’s
Q: Who is Vinesh Phogat?
A: Vinesh Phogat is an Indian wrestler who competes in the 50kg freestyle category.
Q: What happened to Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics?
A: Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle wrestling event at the Paris Olympics after failing to make the required weight during the weigh-in.
Q: Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified?
A: Phogat weighed in a few grams over the 50kg limit, which led to her disqualification from the competition.
Q: What was Vinesh Phogat's medal prospect before disqualification?
A: Phogat had reached the final of the 50kg freestyle wrestling event and was a strong contender for a gold or silver medal.
Q: How did Vinesh Phogat react to her disqualification?
A: The exact reaction of Vinesh Phogat is not publicly known, but her fans and fellow wrestlers have expressed shock and disappointment at the outcome.
Q: Will Vinesh Phogat compete again in the Olympics?
A: Yes, Vinesh Phogat can compete again in future Olympic Games, but this disqualification means she will not be able to win a medal at the Paris Olympics.
