In what comes as a huge disappointment for India, medal hopeful Vinesh Phogat was, on Wednesday, disqualified from the Olympics as she was found overweight ahead of the women's 50kg wrestling finals.
"She was found overweight by 100gm this morning. The rules do not allow this and she has been disqualified," said an Indian coach.
Confirming the news, the Indian Olympic Association said, "It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning."
"No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time," IOA said and urged people to respect the privacy of Vinesh Phogat.
The IOA further said it would like to focus on the competitions on hand.
The wrestler was two kilograms above her weight at night, although she was well within her weight category during the match against defending champion Yui Susaki on Tuesday. According to media reports, in a bid to meet the weight requirements, Vinesh Phogat had spent the whole night exercising, forgoing even sleep. She reportedly engaged in jogging, skipping, and cycling to reduce her weight at the last minute.
Vinesh Phogat had scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in the event on Tuesday night.