Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, has been disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the World Championships. The disqualification stemmed from a weight violation, as Phogat was found to be 150gm overweight at the morning weigh-in. This unfortunate incident resulted in the loss of her medal, a significant setback for the athlete.
According to the United World Wrestling (UWW) regulations, athletes who fail to attend or pass the weigh-in (either the first or second weigh-in) are automatically eliminated from the competition and ranked last, without a place.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed regret about Phogat’s disqualification in a press release, stating that despite the team’s efforts throughout the night, she was slightly over the 50kg weight limit. The IOA emphasized their respect for Phogat’s privacy and requested that the media avoid further comments on the matter. The focus, they stressed, should remain on the ongoing competitions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of stringent weight regulations in wrestling and the challenges athletes face in maintaining their weight within the designated limits. It is a disappointing turn of events for Phogat, who was a strong contender for the medal.
