Vinesh Phogat’s weight issue at Paris 2024 Olympics wrestling - explained

India’s Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics wrestling competition after she was found overweight in the women’s 50kg category on the morning of her gold medal bout on Thursday.

In wrestling, bouts in each weight category are held over two days. The weigh-in, to ensure wrestlers are not overweight in their category, takes place in the morning before the events begin.

If a wrestler fails the weigh-in, they are disqualified.

Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), explained Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s weight issue that led to her disqualification in a statement, found below.

Explained: Vinesh Phogat’s weight issue

“Wrestlers usually participate in a weight category less than their natural weight. It gives them an advantage since they are fighting with less stronger opponents. The process of weight cut involves a calculated restriction of food and water along with sweating from exercises and sauna till the morning weigh-in.

“This weight cut causes weakness and energy depletion, which is counter-productive to participation, and hence, for energy restoration, limited water and high-energy foods are given after weigh-in. Vinesh's nutritionist had calculated this to be 1.5kg. There sometimes is also a rebound weight gain following competition.

“Vinesh had three bouts, and hence, small amounts of water had to be given to prevent dehydration. Her post-participation weight was found to be increased. The coach initiated the normal process of weight cut that he has always employed with Vinesh and felt confident that it would be achieved.

“However, Vinesh was found to be 100 grams over her 50kg weight category, and hence, she was disqualified. All possible drastic measures, including cutting off her hair, were used. However, she was not below her allowed weight of 50kg.

“As a precautionary measure, Vinesh was administered IV fluids following disqualification to prevent dehydration. We are also getting blood tests performed at the local hospital to ensure that all is well. All of Vinesh's parameters were normal throughout this process, and she feels perfectly well.

“Vinesh just interacted with IOA President Dr PT Usha and mentioned that though she is physically and medically perfectly normal, she is disappointed with her disqualification.”