Vinesh Phogat’s diqualification: What does United World Wrestling rule books say
Gaurav Kanthwal
Chandigarh, August 7
The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat before the final of the women's 50 kg category has come as a shock to the Indian wrestling fans.
The United World Wrestling rules for weigh-in state: "The medical control and a first weigh-in will be held in the morning of the concerned weight category. The qualified athletes for the finals and repechages will weigh in again the second morning of the concerned weight category. No more weight tolerance will be allowed for the second weigh in. Two kg weight tolerance will be allowed for World Cup and for the international tournaments (except UWW ranking events). For the competitions where less than 16 athletes are registered, the weight category can be organised in one day. If it’s the case, the medical control and the weigh-in remain the morning of the competition and the draw could be organised during the weigh-in."
Those in the know say there are bleak chances for Vinesh now although the athlete can go in for an appeal.
Vinesh competes in 50kg category, the lightest weight category in women's wrestling. She has faced weight issue all through her career. Managing liquid intake has always been an Achille’s heel for the athlete.
A national coach who had managed the athletes in 2008 Beijing Olympics said the coaches and the support staff have many questions to answer. "They should not have let Vinesh alone after her semifinal bout," the coach said.
On the other hand, another national coach training international women wrestlers said athletes themselves have to be careful. "Coaches and support staff cannot be present everywhere. It is a big loss for us."
