In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s top wrestlers, was disqualified from her gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg wrestling category due to a slight weight overage. Team India’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, has revealed the extreme efforts made to help Vinesh meet the required weight.
Dr. Pardiwala detailed the drastic measures taken as Vinesh gained 2 kilograms before the crucial weigh-in. “Wrestlers often compete in categories below their natural weight to gain a competitive advantage,” he explained. “The weight-cut process involves restricted food and water intake, combined with sweating through saunas and exercises. This helps athletes drop weight but also depletes their energy.”
Despite these efforts, Vinesh was 100 grams over the limit. “We tried everything, from cutting her hair to shortening her clothes,” said Dr. Pardiwala. “However, despite our best efforts, she could not make the weight.”
The medical chief also spoke about Vinesh’s emotional state. “Vinesh expressed her disappointment to Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, stating that although she is physically and medically fine, being disqualified in her third Olympics is a huge blow.”
Dr. Pardiwala emphasized the continued support for Vinesh from the Indian Olympic Association. “I met with Vinesh at the Olympic Village and assured her of our full support. The Wrestling Federation of India has also filed an appeal with United World Wrestling.”
Vinesh’s disqualification has been a significant setback for the Indian contingent. The team remains hopeful for a favorable outcome from the appeal and continues to stand by Vinesh during this challenging time.
