Vinesh Phogat Loses Olympic Medal Due to Weight Issue

Vinesh Phogat's aspirations for a historic gold medal at the Paris Olympics were dashed when she failed to make weight for the women's 50-kilogram category final. The Indian wrestler was found to be 100 grams over the limit, a situation described as a "nightmare" for athletes. Phogat expressed her disappointment, stating, "Forgive me, your dream, my courage is all broken," highlighting the emotional toll of the incident. Despite a successful weigh-in earlier in the day, Phogat's weight unexpectedly increased after three bouts, according to Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the chief medical officer of the Indian Olympic Association. Her nutritionist had calculated that she could safely consume around 1.5 kilograms of food and water, but the final check revealed she was over the limit. The usual weight-cutting strategies employed by Phogat did not yield the desired results. In response to the disqualification, the Wrestling Federation of India has filed an appeal for reconsideration. Usha, a representative from the federation, assured that Phogat is receiving both medical and emotional support during this challenging time. The incident comes at a turbulent period for Indian wrestling, following Phogat's involvement in protests against sexual harassment within the sport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered words of encouragement, recognizing Phogat's achievements in the lead-up to the final. She had previously defeated several top competitors, showcasing her talent and determination. Phogat has also been an advocate for empowering girls in sports, emphasizing the importance of resilience and self-belief beyond athletics.