Vinesh Phogat Disqualified Over Weight Issues Before Match

August 8, 2024

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified because she was a bit over the weight limit for her gold medal match. Although she gained weight the day before, she was found to be “a few grams over 50 kg” on the competition day. This situation shows the ongoing issues in sports like wrestling with managing weight.

Importance of Weight in Combat Sports

In sports like wrestling, boxing, and MMA, weight classes are crucial. They make sure athletes compete against others of similar size, so no one has an unfair advantage because they are bigger or stronger. Weigh-ins are times when athletes must prove they are within their weight class. These usually happen just before events, with athletes wearing very little to ensure accuracy. Different sports have different rules, but the main goal is to make sure the competition is fair.

What is Weight Cutting?

Weight cutting is when athletes lose a lot of weight quickly to meet weigh-in requirements. This often involves methods like sweating a lot and not eating. Athletes might quickly regain weight after the weigh-in to have an advantage during the competition. Weight cutting can be dangerous. It can lead to dehydration and heart problems, and there have been life-threatening incidents. Both the physical and mental health impacts can be severe.

The Debate: Should Weight Cutting be Banned?

Experts disagree on whether weight cutting should be banned. Some say it should be banned for safety reasons, while others believe it can be done safely with the right knowledge and planning. However, there is not enough research on the long-term health effects of weight cutting.

Potential Solutions

Some organizations have banned extreme weight cutting. They use multiple weigh-ins and hydration tests to keep athletes safe. Other groups are starting to make changes to reduce the need for rapid weight loss before competitions.

About Vinesh Phogat

Vinesh Phogat is an Indian wrestler known for her achievements in freestyle wrestling. She was born on August 25, 1994, in Jhajjar, Haryana. Vinesh is the first female wrestler from India to qualify for the Olympics (2016). She won a bronze medal at the 2019 World Wrestling Championships, marking a significant milestone. Vinesh hails from a family of wrestlers, being a cousin of Geeta and Babita Phogat. She was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020 and is known for her philanthropic efforts in sports.

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