Desperate Measures Taken as Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Over Weight Issues

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50 kg wrestling event for breaching the weight limit. Drastic measures, including cutting her hair, were taken to reduce her weight. India's medal hopes now rest on other athletes like Avinash Sable and Mirabai Chanu.

In a significant setback to India's wrestling medal prospects, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50 kg event on Wednesday for exceeding the weight limit. The Indian Olympic contingent's Chief Medical Officer, Dinshaw Pardiwala, disclosed that desperate measures, including cutting Phogat's hair, were undertaken in a bid to meet the weight category.

Despite rigorous efforts, which saw the entire team staying awake all night, Phogat could not shed the necessary weight. She gained 2.7 kg after her semi-final bout against Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, which led to the drastic attempt to reduce her weight by limiting food and water intake, and through intensive steaming and sauna sessions.

Pardiwala lamented the lack of time, stating that with just a few more hours, they could have achieved the weight requirement. Following Phogat's disqualification, immediate steps were taken to rehydrate her through intravenous fluids. Despite the disqualification, India still pins its hopes on athletes like Avinash Sable in the 3000 Metre Steeplechase and Mirabai Chanu in the Women's 49 KG Weightlifting event.