A sad moment for India as Vinesh Phogat was disqualified after being found overweight on Wednesday morning, just a few hours before the 50 kg gold medal final match. Reports state that the three-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist was about 100 grams above the permissible weight limit, making her ineligible for a podium finish according to the tournament rules.
Phogat's body weight was within the limit during her bouts on Tuesday. According to the rules, wrestlers must stay within their weight category on both days of the competition. Reports indicate that Phogat was nearly two kilograms over the limit on Tuesday night.
Media reports suggest that Phogat tried hard to lose the extra weight, spending the entire night jogging, skipping, and cycling without any sleep, but could not make it. The Indian delegation, including her coach, asked Olympic judges for more time for her to reach the required weight, but their request was denied. As a result, she was disqualified from the competition.
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Phogat has faced this type of situation many times in the past. She typically competes in the 53 kg category. Now, the question remains whether she will get a silver medal.
Will Vinesh Phogat Get a Silver Medal?
Unfortunately, Phogat will not be getting a silver medal. As per the tournament rules, the 50 kg category will have only gold and bronze medal winners in such situations.
On Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympics final. She defeated several major wrestlers, including defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan. Phogat was supposed to face Sarah Hildebrandt in the final today, a wrestler she had beaten before, and was near the gold medal.
However, due to her weight issue, Phogat will have to leave the competition without any medal.