Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was hospitalized in Paris on Wednesday following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg final wrestling bout at the Paris Olympics. The 29-year-old athlete fainted due to dehydration, sources report.
“Minutes after being disqualified, Vinesh Phogat fainted due to dehydration and was immediately taken to a hospital,” insiders reveal. Vinesh was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in on the second day of the competition, leading to her disqualification. Despite the team’s relentless efforts, including cutting her hair and attempting to draw blood, they could not meet the required weight.
Currently, Vinesh is stable and resting in the polyclinic of the Olympic Village. Unfortunately, there are no options for the Indian contingent to appeal the decision. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to IOA President P.T. Usha to gather more information and explore any possible actions that can be taken following Vinesh’s setback.
Under UWW rules, “If an athlete does not attend or fails the weigh-in, he/she will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last without rank.”
This incident makes Vinesh the first athlete to be disqualified from her final for not making weight. On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, she made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman 5-0, securing a medal for India.
“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy and would like to focus on the ongoing competitions,” stated the Indian Olympic Association.
Both Vinesh and Sakshi Malik have been leading figures in the wrestlers’ protest against alleged sexual harassment by the former leadership of the Wrestling Federation of India. Vinesh, typically competing in the 53kg category, had to switch to the 50kg category to qualify for the Olympics.
“I will have to manage my weight a lot better. I have brought myself down to 50kg after so long, so I will try and maintain this as much as I can. It’s not easy for me not to put on weight because my muscle mass is very high,” Vinesh shared with PTI in April after securing the 50kg quota for India.
Despite facing setbacks at the Rio Olympics and Tokyo Games, where she was eliminated early, Vinesh’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. Her latest setback is a reminder of the relentless challenges athletes face on their path to glory.
As Vinesh recovers, the focus now shifts to supporting her and the ongoing competitions. The Indian Olympic Association urges everyone to respect her privacy during this time.
Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and subsequent hospitalization underscore the intense pressures and challenges faced by athletes. As we continue to support our athletes, let us also advocate for their well-being and fair treatment. Follow the ongoing updates on the Paris Olympics and cheer for our athletes as they strive for glory.
