Vinesh Phogat disqualification: When Paris 2024 was a painful reminder of Rio 2016

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris 2024 final for exceeding the weight limit, echoing her Rio 2016 disqualification.

In a blow to India's Olympic dreams, wrestling star Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Games' 50kg final for exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams.

The setback occurred after Phogat, who had moved down from her usual 53kg class, failed to meet the stringent weight requirements during the weigh-in.  Vinesh, by far, would have been the only Olympian this season to win a gold or silver medal at the Paris Games. Earlier, shooters Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Khusale brought three bronze medals.

Unexpected disqualification

On the second day of weigh-ins, Phogat exceeded the 50kg limit by a marginal 100 grams, despite rigorous preparations to reduce her weight. Reports indicate that the experienced athlete took extreme measures, including fasting and all-night running, in a desperate attempt to qualify. Despite appeals from Indian officials for extra time, the Olympic committee upheld their decision.

The Indian Olympic Association expressed their disappointment in a statement, requesting privacy for Phogat as the team continues to focus on ongoing competitions.

Understanding Olympic wrestling weigh-ins

Olympic wrestling weigh-ins are known for their stringent rules to ensure fair competition. Athletes must weigh in on their competition day, with each weight class competition spanning two days. Wrestlers have a 30-minute window to meet weight requirements during the initial weigh-in, with multiple attempts allowed. Competitors are weighed wearing only their singlets.

In addition to the weigh-in, athletes undergo a health check to rule out any contagious diseases and ensure their fingernails are trimmed extremely short. For those competing on the second day, the weigh-in duration is reduced to 15 minutes.

A recurring setback

This disqualification is a significant setback for Indian wrestling and has dashed Phogat’s Olympic aspirations, as she was considered a strong medal prospect. Unfortunately, this is not a new situation for Phogat. In 2016, she faced a similar disqualification at the first World Olympic Qualifying event for being 400 grams over the 48kg category limit.

Impact on medal standings

With Phogat disqualified, Indian hopes for a medal in the Women's Wrestling 50kg final were dashed. Phogat was set to compete for gold against America's Sarah Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt will now face Yusneylis Guzman for the gold medal, while Yui Susaki and Oksana Livach will compete for bronze.

Phogat’s disqualification is a reminder of the intense pressures and strict regulations athletes face at the Olympics, the fine margins that can impact an athlete’s journey to glory.