Vinesh Phogat Disqualified: The Full Story Of What Led To Her Disqualification at Paris Olympics

In a shocking turn of events, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she was found overweight ahead of her Gold Medal match against USA's Sarah Hildebrandt on Wednesday. Phogat's disqualification has sent shockwaves across the country as the wrestler was gearing up to become the first Indian female Gold Medalist at the Olympics.

Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification And How It Transpired

Vinesh Phogat used to wrestle in the women's 53kg ahead of the Paris Olympics. However, in the Paris Olympics she decided to change her weight class and participate in the Women's 50KG Freestyle wrestling. 

As it turned out after her semi-final victory, Vinesh Phogat was found overweight at the weigh-ins. Due to the shocking developments, she was denied the chance to bring home India's first Silver or Gold medal at the Paris Olympics. 

When Vinesh started her campaign with the bout against Yui Susaki, she was within the permissible weight limit. However, as she kept on competing over the day, Vinesh might've picked up weight due to replenishment after two grueling matches in the quarters and the semis. This might have been the main reason of her disqualification. 

Phogat's Run Against Time To Meet Weight Requirements

According to the rules, wrestlers have to weigh themselves twice during the events. Once in the morning when the preliminary rounds begin and the second during the morning of the final. Vinesh Phogat was under the desired weight limit yesterday, however as she progressed through to the rounds. Her weight is likely to have increased through the day as she replenished herself after three bouts. Phogat even went to the lengths of leaving in a sweat suit after her semifinal bout. Phogat had to lose 2 kg of weight overnight, and she stayed up all night to lose her weight but failed to do so.