Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified after reaching the women’s freestyle 50 kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024. During the weigh-in, Phogat’s weight was found to be 100 grams over the limit, which resulted in her not being allowed to compete in the final and being ranked last according to the rules of United World Wrestling (UWW). All the matches she had previously won were nullified.
Let us know what are the rules of United World Wrestling (UWW) regarding weight in the Olympics.
The UWW has clear rules regarding weight. If a wrestler fails the weigh-in, they are immediately disqualified and placed last in the competition. According to Chapter 3, Article 11 of the Wrestling Rules, every athlete must undergo the weigh-in process each morning. This process includes a medical checkup and lasts for about 30 minutes, during which the wrestler can attempt multiple times to meet the weight requirement.
Wrestling matches typically conclude in two days. On the second day, only wrestlers in the repechage or those who have reached the final must weigh in. These wrestlers are given a total of 15 minutes in the morning to meet the weight requirement, and they must do so in their singlet jersey, which they will wear during the match. They can attempt to weigh in as many times as needed within that 15-minute period. If an athlete fails to make weight, even by a small amount, they are immediately disqualified.
Vinesh requested an additional 15 minutes to shed the extra weight, but the rules are strict and apply to everyone equally. Due to these UWW rules, Vinesh and the entire country were disappointed. Celebrities, politicians, and the public expressed their anger about these rules on social media.
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated that the Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest. He mentioned in the Lok Sabha that Vinesh’s weight was taken at 7:15 am on August 7, and she was found to be 100 grams over the 50 kg limit, resulting in her disqualification. The Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha is in Paris, and the Prime Minister has asked her to take necessary action.
This was Vinesh Phogat’s third Olympics, following her participation in Rio and Tokyo. After her disqualification, Vinesh tweeted, “Maa wrestling won over me, I lost, sorry, your dream, my courage is all shattered, I no longer have any strength, Good Bye Wresteling 2001-2024” and announced her retirement from professional wrestling.
https://x.com/Phogat_Vinesh/status/1821332432701779982
Vinesh was set to compete in the final against American wrestler Sarah Hindlebrandt, against whom she had a favorable record. If Vinesh had competed in the final, her victory was almost certain. She had made a significant impact in her very first match of the tournament by defeating 4-time world champion and Tokyo gold medalist Yui Susaki of Japan in the round of 16 and breaking Susaki’s Undefeated Streak. Overcoming one challenge after another, Vinesh became the first Indian female wrestler to reach the Olympic finals.
