100g ‘Heavy’ Rule, Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Disqualified From Olympic ; What Does Wrestling Rules Say?

India received some unfortunate news from the Paris Olympics. Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was declared ineligible due to being over the weight limit. Vinesh was supposed to compete in the women’s 50 kg category final, but her weight was found to be over the limit when weighed before the match. It is reported that her weight was approximately 100 grams over the allowed limit.

In such a situation, a question arises: How could her weight be deemed appropriate the day before the match, but then declared ineligible the next day? To understand this, let’s look at the weight measurement rules in wrestling to see why she was declared ineligible.

What Are the Weight Measurement Rules in Wrestling

Each weight category competition lasts for 2 days. This means that any wrestler advancing to the finals or repechage must have their weight measured on both days. On the morning of the first day’s match, wrestlers are weighed. They have 30 minutes during this period and can get on the scale as many times as they wish. On the first day, Vinesh Phogat’s weight was under 50 kg. On the second day of competition, wrestlers’ weights are measured again in the morning. On the second day, they only have 15 minutes and can get on the scale as many times as they wish. On the second day, Vinesh Phogat’s weight increased by 100 grams to 50 kg. When weighing wrestlers, they must wear only a singlet (the attire they wrestle in). During this time, it is also checked if the athlete shows any symptoms of infectious diseases. Their nails are inspected as well and must be trimmed and short. United World Wrestling (UWW) officials record all this on video, and the entire process is logged on a computer. Athletes can only enter the ring after the consent of the UWW officials.

Can 100 Grams Be Reduced in Half an Hour?

No. A difference of 10 to 20 grams can be reduced by urination or some exercise, but reducing 100 grams in such a short time is not feasible. Another question is whether 100 grams makes a difference and if such a small margin cannot be allowed. The answer is that in the world of sports, especially in the Olympics, even 10 grams is significant. Weight categories are created to ensure fair competition. When athletes of the same weight compete, they use the same strength. If someone is 100 grams heavier, it means they have 100 grams more force. It’s not a fair game.

Will Vinesh Phogat Now Receive No Medal?

According to UWW rules, if an athlete is disqualified or fails the weight test, they are eliminated from the tournament and placed last without a rank. In Vinesh Phogat’s case, the gold medal will go to American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, as the final match will not take place, so no silver medal will be awarded. Bronze medals will be contested between the losing wrestlers of the semifinals.

Can Vinesh Phogat Get Another Chance to Compete?

No, according to Olympic rules, once an athlete is disqualified, they do not get another chance. Therefore, Vinesh Phogat will not be able to continue in the Paris Olympics and will have to return empty-handed.

What Should a Player Do If They Want to Change Their Weight Category?

According to United World Wrestling’s international wrestling rules, ‘Players can compete in a higher weight category than their current weight. There is an exception for the heavyweight category. For a male athlete to compete in the heavyweight category, their weight must be over 97 kg, and for female athletes, it must be over 72 kg. If they are in the 53 kg weight category, they can compete in this category. However, this must be declared in advance, following a complete process.

Rules Denied Approval and Disqualification

Vinesh, 29, was disqualified from the 50 kg wrestling category when her weight slightly increased, and she attempted to reduce it. With the gold medal match scheduled today (August 7), the disqualification was enforced.

An Indian coach said, “Her weight was found to be 100 grams more in the morning. The rules do not permit this, and she was declared ineligible.”

After being disqualified from the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat was told that her weight did not meet the 50 kg limit. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has also updated on this matter.

The IOA said, “It is unfortunate that the Indian team shared the news of Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the women’s 50 kg wrestling category. Despite the best efforts made overnight by the team, her weight was slightly over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made from the team at this time. The Indian team requests that Vinesh’s privacy be respected.”

Gold Medal Match Against American Wrestler

Indian star wrestler Vinesh Phogat was expected to win the gold medal after reaching the finals. On Tuesday, Vinesh defeated Cuban wrestler Yusnelis Guzman 5-0 in the women’s 50 kg freestyle semifinals. Vinesh’s final was to be held today, August 7, against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. Previously, she had defeated Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion Yui Susaki in the 50 kg category in the pre-quarterfinals.