In a recent statement, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President P.T. Usha addressed the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the 2024 Paris Olympics. Usha emphasized that the IOA is doing everything possible to support Phogat. She noted that the Wrestling Federation of India has appealed to United World Wrestling to review the decision, and the IOA is actively following up on this matter.
Phogat’s nutritionist, Dinshaw Pardiwala, offered an explanation regarding the disqualification. According to Pardiwala, Phogat had participated in a weight category below her natural weight. This strategy was intended to provide her with a strength advantage.
Pardiwala explained that Phogat required 1.5 kilograms of food each day to maintain sufficient energy for her matches. Sometimes, after bouts, athletes may experience rebound weight gain, which means some weight can be gained back due to water retention.
Pardiwala described that after three bouts, Phogat needed some water to rehydrate. Following the normal weight-cutting procedures that had previously worked for Phogat, the team found that her weight was 100 grams over the 50-kilogram limit set for her weight category.
Despite the team’s efforts to adjust her weight, including drastic measures such as cutting her hair and shortening her clothes, Phogat was disqualified in the morning.
After the disqualification, Phogat was given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Pardiwala assured that Phogat is physically and mentally stable but expressed that she is emotionally distressed by the situation, especially since this was her third attempt at the Olympics.
The IOA is focusing on maintaining the morale of the Indian team during this challenging time and is providing all necessary support to Phogat as they navigate this setback.
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