Last Updated:
India’s Vinesh Vinesh and Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman, right, compete during their women’s freestyle 50kg wrestling semifinal match, at Champ-de-Mars Arena, during the 2024 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
PT Usha expressed her disbelief, stating, “Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Poly Clinic a short while ago and I showed her complete support from the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the whole country.”
After Vinesh Phogat’s disqualified from the Paris Olympics for failing to meet the weight cut for her gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling category, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) PT Usha expressed her disbelief, stating, “Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Poly Clinic a short while ago and I showed her complete support from the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the whole country. We are providing Vinesh with all the medical and emotional support she needs.”
Paris Olympics 2024 Day 12 LIVE
Usha also highlighted the efforts being made to contest the decision. “The Wrestling Federation of India has filed an appeal to UWW to reconsider the decision to disqualify Vinesh, and the IOA is following that up in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh’s medical team, led by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and Chief Commissioner Kagan Naran, through the night to ensure she could meet the competition requirements.”
Pardiwala elaborated on the complexities of weight management in wrestling. “Wrestlers usually participate in a weight category less than their natural weight. It gives them an advantage since they are fighting less strong opponents. The process of weight cut prior to the weigh-in involves a calculated restriction of food and water. Besides this, the athlete needs to sweat, which is done with sauna and exercise.”
Pardiwala explained the challenges Vinesh faced, saying, “This weight cut has the benefit of putting you into a lighter weight category but does cause weakness and energy depletion, which is counterproductive to participation. Vinesh had three bouts, and to prevent dehydration, some amount of water had to be given. Despite all efforts, her weight was 100 grams over her 50-kilogram weight category, leading to her disqualification.”
The medical team employed drastic measures, including cutting her hair and shortening her clothes, to help Vinesh meet the weight requirements, but these efforts fell short. “As a precautionary measure, Vinesh was administered some intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. All of Vinesh’s parameters during this weight cut were normal, and she felt perfectly normal throughout the process,” Dr. Pardiwala added.
Vinesh Phogat’s Desperate Efforts to Make Weight: A Night of Extreme Measures Ends in Heartbreak
PTI Usha emphasised the support Vinesh continues to receive. “The IOA is taking every step to ensure that the morale of the contingent remains high. We are sure all Indians will stand with Vinesh and the entire Indian contingent.”
Vinesh, despite being physically and medically normal, expressed her disappointment, mentioning that this being her third Olympics, the disqualification was particularly hard to accept. The wrestling community and the nation continue to rally behind her in this challenging time.
Catch Paris Olympics 2024 Day 12 LIVE Updates Here. Stay updated with the latest from Olympics 2024. Explore India At Paris Olympics 2024 Today. Check the updated list of Paris Olympics 2024 Medal Tally. Check Paris Olympics 2024 Event Results.
Read More: Vinesh’s Disqualification is Very Shocking: IOA President PT Usha – News18
