The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the women's wrestling discipline competition in the Paris Olympics 2024 came as a shock to many, including myself. This news was heartbreaking for all Indians, particularly sports lovers following the Paris Games. Vinesh Phogat, niece of the renowned Indian wrestler and coach Mahavir Singh Phogat, has made a name for herself in the wrestling world, winning several international medals and becoming a prominent figure in Indian wrestling.
Vinesh is the daughter of Rajpal Phogat, Mahavir Singh Phogat's brother, making her the cousin of Geeta and Babita, and the niece of Mahavir Singh Phogat. Mahavir's story was immortalized in the Bollywood film "Dangal," which highlighted his journey as a coach and father to Geeta and Babita. Vinesh herself has showcased remarkable courage and determination, especially when she joined Sakshi Malik and Bajrang Punia in a public protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, in 2023. They stood against the sexual misconduct of the then President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Saran Singh, demanding his removal from office. Despite facing political pressure and mistreatment from the authorities, Vinesh continued to fight for justice and women's dignity.
Vinesh's qualification for the finals to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States turned her into a national icon. She overcame numerous challenges, including harassment and betrayal from those she trusted, to reach the Olympics finals. However, fate had something else in store for her. Vinesh was disqualified due to being overweight by a mere 100 grams. Dr. Pardiwala, the official medical officer with the Indian contingent, dispelled all conspiracy theories, presenting the facts to the public. Despite his statements, several questions arise.
Questions and Insights
Q1: Why couldn’t Vinesh Phogat strip her singlet to make her weight for the final weigh-in in the 50 kg category?**
Meta AI: Vinesh Phogat faced a situation where she struggled to make the weight cut for the 50 kg category final. Several factors could have contributed to this:
1. Dehydration: Severe dehydration can lead to difficulties in shedding the last few grams, making it hard to reach the desired weight.
2. Weight Cutting Limits: Phogat might have reached the limit of safe weight cutting, and further attempts could have compromised her health and performance.
3. Physiological Factors: Hormonal changes, menstrual cycle, or other physiological factors can affect water retention and weight loss.
4. Nutrition and Hydration Strategy: Inadequate nutrition or hydration planning can hinder weight loss and make it challenging to reach the target weight.
5. Medical Conditions:Underlying medical conditions, like gastrointestinal issues or infections, can affect weight loss and overall health.
Weight cutting is risky and should be done under medical supervision to avoid serious health complications.
Q2: Why couldn’t Vinesh manage the 100 grams shortfall for the final weigh-in by stripping or cutting her hair?**
Meta AI: Indeed, 100 grams is a relatively small amount, and wrestlers often use methods like stripping off their singlet or cutting hair to make weight. In Vinesh Phogat's case, several factors could explain the difficulty:
1. Exhaustion: After intense quarterfinal and semifinal matches, her body might have been too depleted to shed the last few grams.
2. Dehydration Limits: She might have already reached the safe limit for dehydration, making further water loss difficult.
3. Medical Concerns: Her support team might have advised against further weight cutting due to health concerns.
4. Strategic Decision: Her team might have prioritized her health and performance, deciding that the risks associated with further weight cutting outweighed the benefits.
It's unfortunate she couldn’t make the weight, but her health and well-being should be the top priority.
Q3: What are the rules for this at the Paris Olympics?
Meta AI: According to the Paris Olympics' wrestling competition rules, based on United World Wrestling (UWW) regulations:
- Weigh-in Attempts: 2 attempts, 30 minutes apart
- Weigh-in Duration:30 minutes for the first attempt, 15 minutes for the second attempt
- Weight Tolerance: 0 grams (must exactly meet the weight category)
- Consequences of Failure: Elimination from competition, ranked last without a ranking
- Additional Rules:
- Wrestlers must be present at the weigh-in venue at least 2 hours before the scheduled weigh-in time.
- Wrestlers can only wear a singlet during weigh-in, no other clothing or accessories.
- Medical examination required before the first weigh-in attempt.
Consequences of Disqualification:
- No Medal: Phogat’s disqualification means she will not receive any medal, despite her impressive performance in the earlier rounds.
- Alternative Opponent:As a result of Phogat’s disqualification, her semi-final opponent, Yusneylys Guzman Lopez of Cuba, will now face Sarah Hildebrandt in the gold medal match.
Despite what is publicly known, it is perplexing that her coach and support team couldn't ensure her qualification given the small shortfall of 100 grams. Simple measures like cutting her hair or removing her singlet could have made a difference. It’s a profound loss, considering she was on the verge of creating history by winning an assured silver, if not gold, since the modern Olympics began in Paris in 1896 – 128 years ago.
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