Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic dreams were shattered in a shocking turn of events, as the Indian wrestler’s drastic weight-cutting measures fell short, leading to her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Games. Despite a Herculean effort to shed the extra kilos, Phogat’s weight ballooned overnight due to dehydration prevention measures, rendering her ineligible to compete.
Phogat’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable, having stunned defending champion Yui Susaki in the earlier rounds. However, her natural weight of 55-56 kg proved a formidable obstacle, forcing her to undergo a grueling weight-cutting regimen. The Indian delegation’s medical team left no stone unturned, employing unconventional methods such as cutting her hair and altering her attire to shave off precious grams.
This heart-wrenching setback marks Phogat’s second Olympic disappointment, following a quarter-final injury in Rio 2016. The 29-year-old’s storied career has been marked by both triumph and adversity, including her activism against the Wrestling Federation of India’s leadership last year. Phogat’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity have earned her a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide.
