As India was eyeing a gold medal from the 50kg wrestling event through star wrestler Vinesh Phogat, a heartbreaking twist occurred when Vinesh Phogat Disqualified disqualified from the Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old Phogat was disqualified after failing to meet the weight limit ahead of the gold medal bout.
The Indian Olympics Association (IOA) released a statement expressing regret and pain over Vinesh Phogat’s exit after she weighed a few grams over 50kg on Wednesday morning, the 12th day of the Paris Olympics 2024.
The news of Vinesh’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class has shocked the nation, which was hopeful for a historic gold medal. The IOA and the Indian Olympic team requested privacy for the wrestler during this difficult time.
The IOA clarified that despite the team’s best efforts through Tuesday night, Phogat could not make the weight. Rather than focusing on this major setback, the team aims to focus on the remaining competitions in the Olympics, the statement added.
Reason for Vinesh’s Sudden Disqualification Ahead of Finals
There was earlier speculation that the wrestler exceeded the permissible weight limit by roughly 100 grams. On Wednesday morning, sources also hinted at a possible disqualification, as this does not comply with competition rules.
According to Olympic rules, Vinesh Phogat is now not eligible for even the silver medal. With the shocking and heartbreaking exit of the Indian wrestler, the women’s 50kg wrestling division at the Paris Olympics 2024 will only feature gold and bronze medal winners.
According to the rules, Vinesh made her weight for Tuesday’s bouts. However, to compete for the gold medal, wrestlers must ensure the weight remains within the category limits until the end of the competition. Sources indicated that Vinesh Phogat was 2kg overweight on Tuesday night and made an effort to reduce her weight, including cycling, jogging, and skipping.
Despite the pleadings of the Indian Olympics delegation’s request for extra time to allow her to lose the last 100 grams, the rules mandated Phogat‘s disqualification, ending her hopes of competing against the USA’s Sarah Hilderbrandt for the gold medal.
Why was Vinesh Phogat competing in the 50kg wrestling category?
Vinesh had earlier competed in the 53kg category, and she struggled to cut weight to compete in the 50kg wrestling category at the Paris Olympics 2024. The switch was challenging as the 50kg division was a lower one compared to the previous category where Phogat usually competes. She faced similar difficulty during the Olympic qualifiers but was eventually cut.
On Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat made history by reaching the 50kg wrestling Olympics final bout by stunning world champion and Tokyo gold medalist Yui Susaki of Japan. After that, Phogat continued the winning streak with two more tactically dominating wins over the Ukrainian and Cuban wrestlers.
Why Vinesh Phogat Disqualified and Did Not Win a Medal?
Vinesh Phogat was scheduled to meet the USA’s Sarah Hilderbrandt in the final bout. Due to Phogat’s disqualification from the competition, her opponent Hilderbrandt will get the gold medal, while Phogat will return without a medal.
As per the competition rules, the 50kg wrestling event of the Paris Olympics 20204 will now have gold and bronze medalists, as one of the gold medal contenders was disqualified and couldn’t participate in the final bout.
Vinesh not winning a medal despite reaching the finals left Indian Olympic followers heartbroken and teary-eyed, as many feel she deserved it more than anyone else, especially after the setbacks in Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.
