In a tragic turn of events, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the 50kg women’s freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympic Games. This disqualification comes as a massive blow to the hopes of over a billion people who were eagerly awaiting her performance.
Vinesh Phogat had made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach a wrestling final in the Olympics, but her journey was cut short due to being slightly over the weight limit.
The Struggle to Make Weight
Vinesh Phogat, who typically competes in the 53kg category, decided to switch to the 50kg category for the Paris Olympics. This decision required extreme measures to meet the weight criteria, as it was not her natural weight class. Despite making weight for Tuesday’s bouts, wrestlers are required to remain within their weight category on both days of the competition. On Tuesday night, Vinesh was reportedly 1kg overweight and worked tirelessly to shed the extra weight.
Extreme Measures Taken
In her effort to reduce weight, Vinesh took several drastic steps. She cut her hair, drew blood, and performed intense cycling exercises to induce sweating.
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Despite these efforts, she was still 100 grams over the permissible limit. According to sources, she managed to reduce her weight by 900 grams but could not shed the last 100 grams in time.
The Official Disqualification
Ravi Dahiya, another Indian wrestler and Tokyo Olympics silver medallist, explained that athletes are usually given a set time to submit their weight. If they are overweight at the initial weigh-in, they are given a short window to reduce their weight.
However, if the weight remains over the limit past the deadline, there is no further opportunity for adjustment. Vinesh’s efforts, including not eating and continuing to train, ultimately fell short of the required weight by just 100 grams.
Impact and Reactions
The disqualification has sent shockwaves through the sporting community and left fans and supporters heartbroken. The intense preparation and sacrifices of Vinesh Phogat, including rigorous sauna sessions and her coach’s efforts to help her meet the weight criteria, highlighted her dedication and determination. Her coach had even considered cutting her hair before the Olympics, but Vinesh ultimately had to take this step herself in a last-ditch effort to make weight.
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Despite her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Olympic final remains an inspiring story of perseverance and dedication. Her achievements have paved the way for future generations of Indian wrestlers and left an indelible mark on the sport.
