PARIS, Aug 7: In a shocking reversal of fortunes, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on Wednesday from the Olympics after being found overweight ahead of her women’s 50kg final here, leaving her medal-less within hours of coming close to an unparalleled gold.
Vinesh had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. Before this morning, she was assured of at least a silver medal but will now be coming back empty-handed due to the disqualification.
The shattered 29-year-old had to be taken to the polyclinic inside the Games village due to severe dehydration earlier in the day.
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“She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified,” said an Indian coach.
The Indian Olympic Association requested privacy for the wrestler, who was competing in her third Olympics.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning,” the IOA stated.
“No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you to respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” it added.
International rules stipulate that any grappler found overweight at the time of weigh-in ends up at the bottom of the final standings.
She had taken down defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan en route the finals on Tuesday in a remarkable performance and was to face American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the summit bout this evening. (Details on Page 12)
