Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics after failing to make the weight on the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout. The Indian wrestler weighed in approximately 100 grams over the weight limit, leading to her disqualification. As a result, she will finish last in her category without a rank.
“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. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand,” an Indian Olympic Association Statement read
How does the weigh-in work for Olympic wrestling?
Weigh-ins for wrestlers competing at the Paris Olympics take place in the morning on the day of their matches. Each weight class tournament is contested over a two-day span, meaning wrestlers who make it to the finals or repechage rounds must make weight on both days.
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During the first weigh-in, wrestlers have 30 minutes to make weight and can step on the scale as many times as they need. Athletes are weighed in their singlets, with nothing else on, and are also checked for signs of contagious diseases and to ensure their fingernails are cut very short.
For wrestlers competing on the second day, the weigh-in period is reduced to 15 minutes.
Vinesh Phogat’s run to the final
Vinesh Phogat, who has been embroiled in various controversies over the past year, made a strong start at the Paris Olympics. She defeated the reigning world champion, Japan’s Yui Susaki, in the first round of the Women’s 50kg Freestyle event.
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This victory marked a historic first loss for Susaki in international competitions, as she had not conceded a single point during the Tokyo Games in 2020. Phogat’s impressive performance continued as she overcame Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarterfinals, winning 7-5.
Her success was a testament to her experience and vigilance. She then defeated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals to secure her place in the final of the Women’s 50kg Freestyle event.
