In a major heartbreak for India, wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics finials in the women's 50kg category.
According to Indian coach, Vinesh Phogat was found overweight by 100 grams. The coach said the rules do not allow this and hence the wrestler was disqualified.
Media reports reveal that Vinesh Phogat spent the whole night exercising after she realised that she was two kilograms above her weight category. She was well within her weight category during her match against defending champion Yui Susaki on Tuesday which she won.
READ MORE: Paris Olympics: Vinesh Phogat disqualified for being overweight before finals
Wrestlers are weighed twice, according to the rules. Once before the morning of the preliminary rounds and then for a second time on the morning of the final. The rules stipulate that any wrestler found overweight at the time of weigh-in ends up at the bottom of the final standings.
Media reports suggest that Vinesh Phogat replenishing herself after her bouts may have led to weight gain. Hence, she was forced to lose two kgs overnight.
Vinesh Phogat was seen skipping in her sweatsuit after her match. She reportedly worked out throughout the night to drop the excess weight. The wrestler spent the night jogging, skipping, and cycling without sleep to make weight before the finals.
India's Chief Medical Officer at the Paris Olympics, Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala said even Vinesh Phogat's hair was cut to help her bring down weight.
"...small amounts of water had to be given to prevent dehydration. Her post participation weight was found to be increased. The coach initiated the normal process of weight cut that he has always employed with Vinesh and felt confident that it would be achieved," Paridiwala said in a statement issued by the IOA.
"The process of weight cut involves a calculated restriction of food and water along with sweating from exercises and sauna till the morning weigh-in," he explained.
"This weight cut causes weakness and energy depletion, which is counter-productive to participation, and hence, for energy restoration, limited water and high energy foods are given after weigh-in," he said.
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The statement from Indian Olympic Association (IOA) appeared to confirm such reports as it said, "Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning."
Reported suggest that the wrestler was hospitalised after the night-long exertion.
