Olympic Dream Shattered: Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Due to Overweight Controversy

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Olympic women's 50kg wrestling final for being 100 grams overweight, forcing her to exit without a medal. Despite a historic performance, the 29-year-old had to be taken to the polyclinic due to severe dehydration. The Indian Olympic Association requested privacy for the heartbroken athlete.

In a shocking reversal of fortunes, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Olympics on Wednesday after being found overweight ahead of her women's 50kg final, leaving her without a medal within hours of nearing an unparalleled gold.

Phogat had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. She was assured of at least a silver medal until her disqualification due to being 100 grams over the weight limit.

The 29-year-old champion had to be treated for severe dehydration and was taken to the polyclinic inside the Games village. An Indian coach confirmed, "She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this, and she has been disqualified."

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) issued a statement requesting privacy for the wrestler, who was competing in her third Olympics. Despite the best efforts of the team, she weighed slightly over the 50kg limit.

International wrestling rules dictate that any grappler found overweight at weigh-in ends up at the bottom of the final standings. Phogat had previously defeated defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan en route to the finals.

Her disqualification was not an isolated incident; Italy's Emanuela Liuzzi also had to forfeit her preliminary bout due to being overweight.

Cutting weight for competitions can be an arduous task, requiring athletes to go without food and even water before weigh-in. Vinesh's natural body weight is about 56-57kg, necessitating a significant effort to slim down to 50kg.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered support, saying, "Vinesh, you are a champion among champions! You are India's pride and an inspiration for every Indian." He urged the Indian authorities to explore all options to help Vinesh's case.