The global wrestling body, United World Wrestling (UWW), has confirmed that nothing can be done about Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Phogat, a leading Indian wrestler, was disqualified after failing to meet the weigh-in requirement on Wednesday, just hours before her historic gold medal bout against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt in the women’s 50kg category. This disqualification dashed her hopes of becoming India’s first female wrestler to compete in an Olympic final.
The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) filed an appeal with UWW to reconsider the decision. However, UWW chief Nenad Lalovic made it clear that the rules could not be bent. “I have nothing against that (India’s appeal) but I know the outcome,” Lalovic stated to Indian reporters in Paris. “I don’t see anything that can be done. It is the competition’s rules and I really don’t think it is possible (to overturn the decision).”
Lalovic emphasized the importance of adhering to the international wrestling rules, which mandate disqualification for any wrestler failing the weigh-in. “We have to respect the rules. The rules are rules. I feel very sorry for her. She was overweight by a very small margin. The weigh-in process is public; all the athletes are there. It’s impossible to let someone who doesn’t pass the weigh-in, participate,” he added.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed their shock and disappointment. “Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning,” the IOA said in a statement. IOA president PT Usha described Phogat’s disqualification as “very shocking” and assured that the team was providing her with “all medical and emotional support.”
