In a surprising development, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics on Wednesday due to being overweight prior to her women’s 50kg final. Vinesh Phogat created history yesterday Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal match in this event on Tuesday night. She was set to compete against American Sarah Hildebrandt in the final on Wednesday but will now return home without a medal. “She was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit this morning. The regulations do not permit this. It resulted in her disqualification,” stated an Indian coach. Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez was defeated by Vinesh in the semi-finals. She will take her place in the 50kg category final against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt from the USA.
Rules and regulations of international wrestling
Vinesh did not succeed in the weigh-in on the second day. As per Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh (IND) will be substituted by the wrestler who was defeated by her in the Semifinal. Consequently, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez (CUB) will participate in the Final, as announced by the organizing committee of the Paris Games. Furthermore, the match between Yui Susaki (Japan) and Oksana Livach (Ukraine) will now be designated as the Bronze Medal Match, the statement indicated. The Indian Olympic Association subsequently confirmed this news. IOA has requested privacy for the athlete. Vinesh was competing in her third Olympic Games. “It is with great regret that the Indian contingent announces the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg category. Despite the team’s diligent efforts throughout the night, she weighed in slightly over 50kg this morning,” stated the IOA.
