Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on Wednesday expressed her shock and disappointment at wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 50 kg women’s wrestling final at the Paris Olympics. She announced that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has filed an appeal with UWW to reconsider the decision.
Usha assured that the IOA and the government would provide full support to Phogat.
“I am shocked and disappointed by Vinesh’s disqualification from the Olympic Games Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class competition. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago and assured her of the full support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the entire country. We are providing Vinesh with all necessary medical and emotional support,” PT Usha said in a video released by the IOA.
“The Wrestling Federation of India has filed an appeal with UWW to reconsider the decision to disqualify Vinesh, and the IOA is following up on this matter in the strongest possible manner. I am aware of the relentless efforts made by Vinesh, the medical team led by Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, and the Chef-de-Mission Gagan Narang throughout the night to ensure that she met the competition requirements. The IOA is taking every step to keep the morale of the contingent high. We are confident that all Indians will stand with Vinesh and the entire Indian contingent,” she added.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala explained that Vinesh Phogat was 100 grams over her 50 kg weight category. Wrestlers usually compete in a lower weight class to gain an advantage. The weight-cutting process involves strict food and water restrictions and intense sweating, which can lead to weakness and energy depletion. Vinesh’s nutritionist had calculated a 1.5 kg cut, but rebound weight gain can occur after competition, he said.
Pardiwala confirmed that following her disqualification, Vinesh received IV fluids to prevent dehydration. Despite the coach’s efforts with the usual weight-cutting methods, Vinesh was still 100 grams over the limit, he added.
The doctor further said that all possible drastic measures, including cutting off her hair, were taken. Nevertheless, she did not meet the required weight. IV fluids were administered post-disqualification and blood tests were conducted to ensure her well-being. All of Vinesh’s parameters were normal throughout this process, and she is feeling perfectly well, he added.
Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya that the IOA lodged a strong protest with United World Wrestling (UWW) after Phogat’s disqualification for being overweight in the 50 kg category.
In a statement in the Lok Sabha, the minister outlined the steps the government took to support her preparation. Members had earlier expressed concern over Phogat’s disqualification ahead of her gold medal bout.
Mandaviya said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with IOA President PT Usha and instructed her to take necessary action. “Today her weight was found to be 50 kg plus 100 grams, leading to her disqualification. The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with UWW. IOA President PT Usha is in Paris, and the Prime Minister spoke to her and asked her to take necessary action,” the minister said.
He added that the government provided every facility, including personal staff.
Phogat had reached the Olympic final after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.