Heartbreak for India; Vinesh Phogat disqualified for failing to meet 50 kg weight criterion

PARIS: In a big blow to India's medal hopes from the wrestling arena, grappler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women's wrestling event. Vinesh was scheduled to face United States's Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the Gold Medal match.

A statement issued by the Indian Olympic contingent said that Phogat had tipped the scales above the 50 kg mark and was disqualified.

"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50 kg 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," the statement read.

Vinesh Phogat had entered the Gold Medal bout after beating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday night.

Vinesh, who fainted after learning about her disqualification, was admitted to hospital. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his disappointment over Vinesh's disqualification, spoke to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha over the phone. Usha visited Vinesh at the hospital and comforted her. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has lodged an official appeal to United World Wrestling (UWW) against the disqualification of Vinesh.

• In weight-standard competitions, including wrestling, the weight of athletes will be checked each day.
• Vinesh weighed less than 50 kg before her first match on Tuesday. She went on to win the pre-quarter, quarter and semi-finals.
• She gained about 2 kilograms on Tuesday night after drinking water and eating food to overcome the fatigue of these competitions
• She skipped her sleep and worked out rigorously at night to reduce her weight. She even cut her hair and drew blood to avoid disqualification.
• With Vinesh getting disqualified, Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh in the semi-final, was admitted to the final.

Conspiracy against Vinesh Phogat?
Vinesh Phogat is one of the leaders of the wrestlers who raised their voices against former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh after several junior wrestlers filed complaints of sexual harassment against him. Top officials of the WFI were not happy with this protest. Hence, there is suspicion that a conspiracy might have taken place against Vinesh Phogat.

The support staff, including the coach, takes care of the diet and other needs of the wrestlers. It is believed that Vinesh may have received some food items from the support staff that contributed to her weight gain.

It is also alleged that those, including Chef de Mission, were not ready to file an appeal on time when Vinesh failed the weight test yesterday.

Vijender Singh suspects sabotage
"I think it might be sabotage. 100gm, you have got to be kidding me. We athletes can shed 5 to 6kg overnight. It is difficult no doubt but we know how to control our hunger, thirst, and exert to the extreme," veteran Indian boxer Vijender Singh said.