Paris: Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, India’s chief medical officer at the Paris Olympics, on Wednesday revealed that cutting off Vinesh Phogat’s hair was among the “drastic measures” taken to help the wrestler meet the prescribed weight limit for her gold medal bout in the 50kg category.
However, none of this could prevent her disqualification, as she weighed 100 grams too much at the morning weigh-in. After three exhausting fights, she was scheduled to face American Sarah Hildebrandt on Tuesday.
“…to prevent dehydration, she had to be given a small amount of water. After competing, she had gained more weight. The coach initiated the normal process of weight reduction that he has always followed with Vinesh and was confident that it would be successful,” Paridiwala said in a statement issued by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
“However, it turned out that Vinesh was 100 grams over her 50 kg weight category and hence she was disqualified. All possible drastic measures, including cutting off her hair, were taken. However, she was not under her permissible weight of 50 kg.” Dr. Pardiwala said that several factors come into play when losing weight before a competition and that the process also has after-effects.
“Wrestlers usually compete in a weight class that is below their natural weight. This gives them an advantage because they are fighting against less strong opponents.”
“The process of weight loss involves targeted restriction of food and water, as well as sweating through exercise and sauna until morning weigh-in,” he explained.
“This weight loss leads to weakness and loss of energy, which is counterproductive to participation. Therefore, limited water and high-calorie foods are given to restore energy after weigh-in,” he said.
Dr Pardiwala said Vinesh’s nutritionist had calculated that this intake would result in a weight gain of about 1.5 kg.
“Sometimes weight gain occurs again after a competition,” he said.
Vinesh was admitted to the Games Village Polyclinic following her disqualification due to dehydration and Dr Pardiwala said she is currently stable and her parameters are normal.
“As a precautionary measure, Vinesh was given an IV drip after the disqualification to prevent dehydration. We are also getting blood tests done at the local hospital to make sure everything is OK.
“All of Vinesh’s parameters have been normal throughout the process and she is completely fine,” he said.
“Vinesh has just spoken to IOA President Dr PT Usha and mentioned that although she is physically and medically perfectly normal, she is disappointed with her disqualification.”
IOA chief shocked by Vinesh’s disqualification
Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha said she was “shocked and disappointed” by Vinesh’s disqualification and that the IOA was pursuing the matter “in the strongest possible manner” after the national federation appealed the ruling to the world body.
“I met Vinesh recently at the Olympic Village Polyclinic and assured her of the full support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India and the entire country. We are providing all medical and emotional support to Vinesh.
“The Wrestling Federation of India has appealed to the UWW to reconsider the decision to disqualify Vinesh and the IOA will comply with it with all determination.”
The IOA chief said that despite everyone’s best efforts, Vinesh could not meet the weight requirements of the competition.
“I am aware of the tireless efforts of Vinesh, the medical team led by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and Chef-de-Mission Gagan Narang throughout the night to ensure that she was able to meet the competition requirements,” said Usha.
“The IOA is taking all necessary steps to ensure that the morale of the contingent remains high. We are sure that all Indians will stand by Vinesh and the entire Indian contingent.”
Vinesh made history by becoming the first Indian wrestler to reach the gold medal match in her category on Tuesday night. She was guaranteed at least a silver medal but now she goes home empty-handed due to disqualification.
Published 07 August 2024, 12:16 IS
