A Shocking Disqualification
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s star wrestlers, faced a rare and heartbreaking disqualification at the Paris Olympic 2024 Match. She had been set to compete in the women’s 50kg final but received disqualification for being just 100 grams over the permissible weight. This incident left many, including three Indian Olympic medallists – Ravi Dahiya, Saina Nehwal, and Vijender Singh – astonished and speechless.
The Journey to the Final
Vinesh Phogat impressed with her performance, winning three bouts and becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, her joy turned to dismay when the morning weigh-in revealed she was 100 grams over the allowed 50kg limit for her weight category.
The Weight-Cutting Challenge
India’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Dinshaw Paudiwala, explained the situation in detail. Vinesh had competed in the 53kg category until February. She switched to the 50kg category because another athlete, Antim Panghal, had already secured the Olympic quota in the 53kg category. Vinesh chose to drop weight to avoid competing against stronger athletes in a higher weight category.
Wrestlers often follow a strict regimen of restricted food and water intake, combined with intense sweating through saunas and exercise to cut weight. This process can lead to significant weakness and energy depletion, which counteracts their performance in competitions.
The Night of Drastic Measures
After her semi-final bout on Tuesday, Vinesh’s weight registered at 2.7 kg over the limit. The team had only 12 hours to get her weight down. They implemented the usual methods of restricting water and food intake and increasing sweating through steam, sauna, and exercise sessions. However, time was against them.
Despite their best efforts, Vinesh’s weight remained 100 grams over the limit. In a desperate bid to shed the final grams, the team resorted to drastic measures such as cutting her hair and shortening her clothes. Unfortunately, they ran out of time.
Post-Disqualification Recovery
Following her disqualification, Vinesh needed immediate rehydration. The team administered intravenous fluids to help her recover. She began eating and drinking normally, and her physical and medical condition quickly returned to normal. The team conducted precautionary blood tests, which confirmed her recovery.
Reactions from Fellow Athletes
The disqualification shocked many in the sports community. Ravi Dahiya, Saina Nehwal, and Vijender Singh expressed their disbelief, noting that such an incident is rare at the top level of sport. They had never encountered an athlete missing out on an Olympic medal for being just 100 grams over the weight limit.
Conclusion
Vinesh Phogat’s ordeal highlights the extreme measures athletes take to compete at the highest levels. Her disqualification marked a heartbreaking end to her impressive journey at the Paris Olympic 2024 Match. This incident serves as a reminder of the physical and mental challenges athletes face in their pursuit of glory. Vinesh’s story exemplifies determination, resilience, and the harsh realities of competitive sports. Stay updated with the latest Olympic 2024 Match from IPL365.
