- Vinesh Phogat’s attempt to win a historic gold medal in 50 kg freestyle wrestling is over
- After Phogat’s heartbreaking disqualification, numerous tributes poured in
- She reportedly didn’t eat for a day, cut her hair and even bled.
Vinesh Phogat suffered a major blow before her gold medal wrestling match in Paris as she was just 150 gms over her weight limit.
The Indian wrestler was competing in the women’s 50 kg freestyle event and had already made history by becoming the first woman from her country to reach the gold medal match at the Olympic Games.
Phogat was scheduled to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA, but she narrowly missed out on that chance and will not win a medal due to her disqualification.
“It is with regret that the Indian delegation announces the news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s 50 kg category in wrestling,” the Indian Olympic Association said in a statement following the announcement on Wednesday morning.
“Despite the team’s efforts during the night, this morning she weighed a few grams over 50 kilos.”
Vinesh Phogat’s attempt to win Olympic gold was ended after she failed to make the weight
The Indian wrestler recovered well in hospital on Wednesday
She had already lost almost 3 kg just to take part in the waiting round, having previously fought at 53 kg
Phogat had already lost almost 3 kg for the competition in this weight class (normally in the 53 kg class) and had put in a lot of effort to do so.
According to a report by NDTV, the wrestler admitted to using rigorous methods to lose weight, including intense sauna sessions, and her trainer even suggested she cut her hair to lose another 50 grams.
At the Games, her heats, quarter-finals and semi-finals all began on Tuesday, and after reaching the required category, she was able to make her way through the field and, against all odds, reach the showpiece.
However, even though she started training immediately after her fights and did not eat a meal, her weight still increased by 1 kg, which meant that she had to take further measures if she still wanted to face the American Hildebrandt.
The report adds that her dramatic hair loss took on a more gruesome tone. After cutting her hair to gain weight, she allegedly attempted to draw blood to meet the criteria – attempts that ultimately failed.
Indian women’s team head coach Virender Dahiya said, “Sanjay Singh, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) and IOA officials are in touch with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW) on this matter.”
“Last night she gained 1 kg. We and her personal care staff worked to reduce the weight. Unfortunately it was slightly over the limit.”
WFI President Sanjay Singh reportedly claimed that the wrestler was actually admitted to hospital on Wednesday morning following her action, which understandably took a toll on her body.
Her disqualification occurred on Wednesday morning before the gold medal fight (pictured on Tuesday after her victory over Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba).
Phogat reportedly cut her hair and even drained her blood to achieve the necessary weight
The news sparked great sympathy among her compatriots. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called her a “champion among champions” on the social media platform X.
“You are India’s pride and an inspiration to every single Indian,” Modi said.
“Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the feeling of despair I am experiencing. At the same time, I know you embody resilience. It has always been your nature to tackle challenges head-on.
“Come back stronger! We’re all keeping our fingers crossed for you.”
Shooter Abhinav Bindra, who won India’s first individual Olympic gold in 2008, said he was “completely devastated”.
“Sometimes you don’t need a gold medal to be a true champion for people,” he added.
Phogat was one of several Indian wrestlers who protested last year demanding criminal action against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, then chairman of the Wrestling Federation of India and a member of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.
Singh denied any wrongdoing after complaints from female wrestlers.
