Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the women’s freestyle 50 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to a weight violation. Phogat, who reached the semi-finals and secured a spot in the final, was found to be 100 grams over the 50 kg limit during the official weigh-in this morning.
Phogat had previously competed in the 53 kg category and was challenging in the 50 kg weight class for the first time. Despite her impressive performance in the semi-final, where she defeated Cuba’s Yusnelis Guzman Lopez 5-0, the weight discrepancy has led to her disqualification from the competition.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed regret over the situation, stating, “It is unfortunate to announce that Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling category due to exceeding the weight limit. Despite the team’s efforts to address the issue overnight, she was found to be slightly over the 50 kg limit. The team will not be making further comments at this time and requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy.”
Phogat had previously advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Osana Livach of Ukraine and had secured her place in the final by winning against Yui Susaki of Japan. The final match, which was scheduled to be held tonight, would have seen Phogat face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the USA. Her disqualification marks a significant setback for India’s Olympic wrestling hopes and ends her chance to become the second Indian female wrestler to win a medal in the Summer Games, following Sakshi Malik.