‘Cut Her Hair, Altered Clothes’: Team Doctor Reveals ‘Drastic Steps’ Taken to Reduce Vinesh Phogat’s Weight

In what came as a shock for entire India, wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling final after being found 100 grams over the weight limit during the weigh-in ahead of her gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics. Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chief Medical Officer for the Indian contingent, revealed that despite implementing “drastic measures,” including cutting hair and changing clothes, Vinesh could not shed the excess weight.

Phogat’s disqualification was confirmed on the second day of the competition, leaving her and the entire country devastated. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) stated that she would finish last in her category. Consequently, Cuba’s Lopez Yusneylis, who had lost to Phogat in the semi-final, would compete for the gold medal.

Dr. Pardiwala explained that wrestlers often compete in weight categories below their natural weight to gain an edge over less powerful opponents. This involves a meticulous process of food and water restriction, along with intensive sweating through saunas and exercise. While effective, this method can lead to weakness and energy depletion, counterproductive to performance.

Phogat’s nutritionist had anticipated a successful weight cut using their standard procedure. However, after three rigorous bouts, Phogat’s weight rebounded and she had gained around 2 kilograms. Despite overnight efforts to reduce the weight, she remained 100 grams over the limit by morning, leading to her disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat expressed her disappointment to Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha, highlighting the emotional toll of her disqualification. Dr. Pardiwala emphasized that Phogat was in good physical and medical condition but deeply disheartened by the outcome.

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) filed a protest with United World Wrestling (UWW), backed by the IOA. However, UWW chief Nenad Lalovic confirmed that the appeal would not be entertained, citing strict adherence to the rules.

“We have to respect the rules. I’m so sad about what happened to her. She was overweight by a very small margin, but the rules are rules,” Lalovic stated.