WRESTLER VINESH PHOGAT OUT OF PARIS OLYMPICS OVER WEIGHT

Syllabus:

  • Sports and Current Issues .
  • Important Issues in News

Why in the News?

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit in her category by 100 grams. This incident, occurring just before the finals, highlights the importance of stringent weight management and adherence to regulations in competitive sports.

Source: Reddit

Context And Overview:

  • Close to Glory: Vinesh Phogat was disqualified hours before the Paris Olympic Games 2024 final, being 100 grams over the 50 kg weight limit for her event.
  • Weight Reduction Attempt: Usually competing in the 53 kg category, Vinesh reduced her weight to 50 kg but was found slightly over the limit on Day 2 of the weigh-in.
  • Desperate Measures: Vinesh discovered she was 1 kg over the limit the night before and spent the entire night cycling and exercising, losing 900 grams but still over the limit.
  • Appeal by IOA: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appealed her disqualification, but the Olympic committee provided no room for negotiation.
  • Impact on Medal: Despite being assured of a silver, her disqualification meant she would not win any medal at the Paris Games.

Historic Achievements

  • Olympic Finalist: Vinesh made history as the first Indian woman to reach the final of a wrestling event in the Olympic Games, highlighting her remarkable journey.
  • Tough Competition: Her first bout was against undefeated Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, a four-time world and Olympic champion, whom Vinesh defeated in a major upset.
  • Semifinal Victory: She then defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Livach and Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, securing a berth in the semifinals and ensuring a medal.
  • Heartbreaking Disqualification: The disqualification on the morning of the final brought heartbreak for Vinesh and millions of Indian supporters.
  • Replacement Rules: According to the rules, Yusneylis Guzman Lopez replaced Vinesh in the final, while Yui Susaki and Oksana Livach competed for the bronze medal.

Regulatory Framework

  • Final Entries Changes: Final entries can only be changed under exceptional circumstances, like an injury confirmed by a medical certificate, submitted the day before the weigh-in.
  • Weigh-in Protocols: The weigh-in and medical control are organized each morning for the concerned weight category, lasting 30 minutes, with no tolerance for weight variance.
  • Mandatory Medical Examination: Wrestlers must undergo a medical examination before weigh-in, and only those who pass are allowed to compete, appearing with a singlet.
  • Repeated Weigh-ins: Wrestlers can weigh in as many times as needed within the allotted time, ensuring they meet the weight category requirements.
  • Disqualification Consequences: Failure to attend or pass the weigh-in results in elimination and ranking last without rank, with replacements chosen from previous bouts.

Impact on Competition

  • Vinesh’s Journey: Vinesh’s disqualification was a significant blow, as she was on track for a historic gold medal bout after defeating top contenders.
  • Stringent Regulations: The strict Olympic weight regulations left no room for error, and Vinesh’s narrow miss ended her campaign prematurely.
  • Replacement Rule: Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh in the semifinal, replaced her in the final, following the international wrestling rules.
  • Bronze Medal Fight: Susaki and Livach, who lost to Vinesh earlier, were given another chance to compete for the bronze medal, impacting the overall competition.
  • Emotional Toll: The disqualification not only affected Vinesh but also resonated deeply with Indian fans, reflecting the emotional and competitive stakes at the Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat’s Legacy

  • Early Life: Born on August 25, 1994, in Charkhi Dadri, Haryana, Vinesh Phogat is an accomplished freestyle wrestler with multiple Commonwealth Games gold medals.
  • Olympic Participation: A three-time Olympian, she competed in different weight classes in 2016 (48 kg), 2020 (53 kg), and 2024 (50 kg), achieving historic feats.
  • Historic Wins: She was the first Indian woman to win gold at the Commonwealth and Asian Games and secured two bronze medals at the World Wrestling Championships.
  • Notable Recognition: Nominated for the Laureus World Sports Awards in 2019, she was the first Indian to receive this honour, highlighting her international recognition.
  • Advocacy and Protest: In 2023, Vinesh joined other Indian wrestlers in protesting against the Indian Wrestling Federation president, accused of sexual harassment, showcasing her commitment to justice.
  • Arjuna Award 2016: Vinesh Phogat received the prestigious Arjuna Award in 2016, recognizing her exceptional achievements in wrestling.
  • Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna 2020: Vinesh was honored with India’s highest sporting award, the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna, in 2020, celebrating her outstanding contributions to Indian sports.

Lessons for Indian Wrestling from Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification

  • Weight Management: Regular monitoring and professional guidance for safe and effective weight management are crucial. Consistent weight categories and hydration are essential.
  • Mental and Physical Conditioning: Emphasize stress management, balanced training, and holistic health approaches. Provide psychological support and foster team support.
  • Adherence to Regulations: Ensure thorough understanding and compliance with competition rules. Regular training, pre-competition briefings, and meticulous documentation are vital.
  • Technological Support: Use data analytics, wearable technology, and performance analysis for real-time monitoring and continuous improvement.
  • Global Best Practices: Collaborate internationally, participate in global competitions, adapt successful strategies, promote continuous education, and benchmark against top nations.

Conclusion

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification underscores the critical need for proper weight management, mental conditioning, and adherence to regulations in sports. This incident serves as a wake-up call for Indian wrestling to implement comprehensive measures ensuring athletes’ preparedness and compliance with international standards.

Source:Indian Express

Mains Practice Question

Evaluate the current state of sports infrastructure and support systems in India. What steps can be taken to enhance awareness, development, and performance in sports at the grassroots and professional levels?