Phogat was scheduled to face USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt in the 50kg freestyle gold medal match on Wednesday.Despite being within the weight criteria on the first day of the competition, her slight excess weight on the second day led to her disqualification, thus eliminating her chances for both the gold and silver medals.
Indian Olympic Association‘s statement
Breaking the devastating news, the Indian Olympic Association released a statement:
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. 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.”
Vinesh’s remarkable journey in Paris
Vinesh, unseeded in the competition, had an incredible run to the final. She triumphed over top seed and defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the opening round. In the quarter-finals, she bested former European champion Oksana Livach of Ukraine, and in the semi-finals, she defeated reigning Pan American Games champion Yusneylis Guzman of Cuba.
Understanding the weigh-in rules
The weigh-in process is crucial in wrestling and is strictly regulated under the International Wrestling Rules of United World Wrestling. Article 11 of the Competition Procedure outlines the specifics:
- Weigh-In Timing: Wrestlers must weigh in each morning for their relevant weight category. The initial weigh-in and medical control sessions last 30 minutes, while the second day’s weigh-in for those in repechage and finals lasts 15 minutes.
- Eligibility: Wrestlers failing the weigh-in on either day are eliminated from the competition. No allowances are made for minor weight excesses.
- Weigh-In Attire: Wrestlers must wear their singlet during weigh-ins, with no tolerance for the singlet’s weight.
- Multiple Attempts: Wrestlers are allowed to step on the scale multiple times within the weigh-in period.
- Medical Examination: Wrestlers must undergo a medical examination on the first morning of the competition. Without this, they are not permitted to weigh in.
These stringent rules are in place to ensure fair competition and the safety of all participants.