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Dinshaw Paudiwala, shared, “Despite all our efforts, her weight was 100 grams over her 50kg weight category. We tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting off her hair and shortening her clothes. Despite this, we couldn’t make that 50kg weight category.”
NEW DELHI: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024 after being found 100 grams overweight. In a joint video statement, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), PT Usha and the Indian Olympic team’s doctor, Dinshaw Paudiwala revealed that even after employing extreme tactics, including cutting her hair and shortening her clothes, the 29-year-old grappler was unable to meet the weight limit.
Dinshaw Paudiwala, shared, “Despite all our efforts, her weight was 100 grams over her 50kg weight category. We tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting off her hair and shortening her clothes. Despite this, we couldn’t make that 50kg weight category.” He explained that even with these efforts, including intensive weight-cutting techniques, Vinesh remained over the limit.
ALSO READ: Vinesh weight row: Two journalists rule out any foul play, say IOA extended all help
The disqualification came as a severe blow to Vinesh, who had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout. She was set to face USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt after defeating World and Olympic 50kg champion Yui Susaki.
Usha expressed her shock and disappointment, “Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago and assured her complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the whole country,” Usha said. She confirmed that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has filed an appeal with United World Wrestling (UWW) to reconsider the decision.
The Indian Olympic contingent faced a significant blow as Vinesh was set to face Tokyo Olympic medalist Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA in the final. Dr Paudiwala explained the challenges faced during the weight-cut process, stating, “Vinesh’s nutritionist said that the usual amount she takes is 1.5 kg over the day, which gives her enough energy for the bouts. Sometimes, there’s a factor of rebound weight gain following competition. Vinesh had three bouts, and hence, to prevent dehydration, some amount of water had to be given. We found that her post-participation weight increased more than normal.”
ALSO READ: PM seeks solutions from PT Usha after Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification
Despite this, the weight cut was not enough. Boria Majumdar, the founder of RevSportz, refuted conspiracy theories, stating, “Dr Pardiwala and the entire support team worked on her the entire night. IOA extended every support. They did everything humanly possible.”
Similarly, Digvijay Singh Deo, sports editor of Wion, highlighted the extensive efforts of the support team. “Stop this conspiracy theory. They worked through the night to cut her weight. Dr. Pardiwala even said we cannot endanger her life,” Deo tweeted. He noted Vinesh’s physical and emotional struggle, adding, “She was in the sauna early this morning in a last-ditch effort. This is cruel.”
