Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics for being overweight before final

Tribune News Service

Paris, August 7

A day after the best day of her life, when she beat the great Yui Susaki and then reached the final of the women's 50kg freestyle, Vinesh Phogat suffered the greatest possible despair when she was disqualified for being around 100 grams overweight.

Assured of at least a silver medal yesterday, Vinesh must return empty-handed from Paris --- the third Olympics tragedy of her career.

According to sources in the know, Vinesh had a sleepless night as she tried her best to lose weight by the usual methods --- exercising, sweating and running --- but did not succeed.

According to the United World Wrestling rules, the final would be contested between Susan Hilderbrandt of the US and Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was beaten by Vinesh in the semifinals yesterday.

A statement from the Indian contingent said: "It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification ofVinesh 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."

Vinesh was to take on Sarah Hilderbrandt in the final today evening.

The Indian star was within the 50kg limit on Tuesday but gained weight through the day and the evening due to her food intake as she tried to regain her strength and energy.

Vinesh had met the weight criterion yesterday but she had to do that today as well.

After she desperately tried to lose weight today, and failed, Vinesh fainted due to exhaustion and was taken to a clinic at the venue.