Vinesh Phogat Disqualification: What Were the Desperate Measures Taken to Reduce Weight

In a stunning turn of events at the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced an unprecedented setback. After becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg category for being a mere 100 grams over the weight limit. This shocking development left several Indian Olympic medalists, including Ravi Dahiya, Saina Nehwal, and Vijender Singh, in disbelief, as they had never encountered such a situation in top-tier sports.

Dr. Dinshaw Paudiwala, India’s Chief Medical Officer, provided insight into the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident. He explained that Phogat had recently transitioned from the 53kg to the 50kg category due to Olympic quota restrictions. This shift presented significant challenges, as Phogat’s natural weight exceeded the new category limit.

Dr. Paudiwala elaborated on the common practice of wrestlers competing in weight classes below their natural weight, which involves carefully managed food and water intake, along with intense sweating routines. While this approach offers competitive advantages, it also risks energy depletion.

Following her semi-final victory, Phogat weighed 2.7kg above the limit. With only 12 hours until the weigh-in, her team embarked on an intensive weight-loss effort. Despite employing various methods, including saunas, exercise, and even cutting her hair, they fell short by the slim margin of 100 grams.

Post-disqualification, the medical team prioritized Phogat’s health, administering intravenous fluids for rehydration and conducting precautionary blood tests. Dr. Paudiwala assured that despite the ordeal, Phogat was in stable physical condition.

Heartbreak in Paris: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Olympic Wrestling