Vinesh Phogat Retires highlights, Paris Olympics 2024: Wrestler awaits CAS verdict on silver medal after retiring

The shocking disqualification of Indian wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics has ignited a global debate on the stringent weigh-in rules imposed by United World Wrestling (UWW). The incident has prompted a flurry of proposals and demands for rule modifications from various wrestling powerhouses.

Phogat, who had stunned the world by defeating Japan's Yui Susaki in the 50kg category, was unable to make weight for the final, resulting in her disqualification. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with overwhelming support pouring in for the Indian athlete.

Olympic champions and renowned coaches expressed their deep empathy for Phogat, highlighting the immense physical and mental toll weight cutting can take on wrestlers. Calls for more lenient weigh-in regulations have grown louder as the wrestling fraternity unites in solidarity with the Indian star.

The United States has proposed sweeping changes to the existing rules, while Greece has advocated for a single weigh-in day. Nigeria has suggested a two-kilogram weight allowance, and Turkey has openly expressed sympathy for Phogat's plight.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the UWW finds itself under immense pressure to address the concerns raised by the global wrestling community and implement measures to prevent similar heartbreaks in the future. (READ MORE)

Taking to his Twitter, American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs wrote, "Give Vinesh silver."

Burroughs, a six-time World Championship gold medalist along who also won the gold at London 2012 Olympics, is considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time. 

He also weighed in on the matter of weight cutting, "Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final." (READ MORE reactions in the aftermath of the controversy)

The finish line is in sight for the Indian contingent in Paris and that means, events start to thin down. But there is still hope for the medal tally to be improved as Aman Sehrawat is one win away from winning the bronze medal in men’s 57kg wrestling. The boy from Chhatrasal got to Paris in place of Ravi Dahiya, and now he will have to step up to make sure India’s run of winning a wrestling medal since 2008 doesn’t end in Paris. (READ MORE)

"Perhaps, don’t imagine how it must feel to be Vinesh Phogat. This torment, this constant bouts with misfortune, isn’t for mere mortals," writes Mihir Vasavda on the biggest sporting heartbreak of the year for India. 

"Broken knees and ruptured ligaments didn’t break her spirit. Spending nights on the footpaths of the Capital and being dragged into a van by Delhi Police couldn’t stop her. A hundred grams did. The extra weight that disqualified her from competing for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics." (READ MORE)

In a desperate attempt to make the 50kg weight category, Vinesh Phogat endured a grueling night of weight cutting. 

Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris, revealed that extreme measures after the wrestler was confirmed as disqualified on Wednesday. 

“We had tried all the drastic weight-cut measures through the night including cutting her hair, shortening her clothes, despite all of this we could not make that 50Kg weight category,” said Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris. 

In a bold and unprecedented move, wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat competed in both the 50 kg and 53 kg categories at the Indian trials in March 2024. Her decision, driven by uncertainty over weight category regulations, proved to be a gamble that nearly yielded extraordinary results.

Phogat's strategy was to secure her spot at the Paris Olympics by qualifying in at least one weight class. She not only won the 50 kg trials but also secured a top-four finish in the 53 kg category.

Fast forward to August 2024, and Phogat found herself on the brink of Olympic glory. Ultimately, a narrow miss on weight cut prevented her from realizing her dream of an Olympic medal. However, her audacious decision to compete in two categories showcased her determination and resilience.

Phogat's journey highlights the challenges faced by athletes navigating complex weight category rules. Her story serves as an inspiration for future athletes to push boundaries and overcome obstacles in their pursuit of excellence. (READ MORE)

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is the highest international tribunal dedicated to resolving disputes related to sports. Established in 1984, the CAS is independent of any sports organization and operates under the authority of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS).

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with additional courts in New York City and Sydney, the CAS handles a wide range of sports-related disputes, including those involving athletes, coaches, sports organizations, and sponsors. With a panel of nearly 300 arbitrators from around the world, the CAS provides expert adjudication in complex legal matters within the sports industry.

The court’s role is crucial in maintaining fairness, integrity, and transparency in sports. By offering a neutral and impartial platform for dispute resolution, the CAS helps to protect the rights of all parties involved and contributes to the overall development of the sports world. (READ MORE)

The biggest lesson from today is that Vinesh Phogat went to the Paris Olympics as a hero. And she will come back a bigger one, Priya Ramani writes in her column in The Indian Express. Here's an excerpt from her piece: 

In 2021, I won a prolonged court battle against a former minister in the Narendra Modi government. This week, when Vinesh Phogat started acing her matches, I felt like I had won again. That her success was vindication for everything this country puts its women through. Vinesh Phogat and I share the same legal team, led by lawyer Rebecca John, but Vinesh Phogat’s joy and grief is personal for many of us. The language women used to share how they felt after the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification broke was intimate — “painful”, “heartbreaking”, “angry”, “weepy”, “shattering”.

Vinesh Phogat had the collective prayers and “you go girl” cheers of Indian women for whom sexual harassment is a daily reality. And their anger. She channelled this rage of women to barrel through to the final. I recognised the emotion from nearly 8,000 km away. After her disqualification, our feelings of pride in Phogat and anger against a system that didn’t care enough have only increased. More than ever, Vinesh is the hero we need.

Why Vinesh Phogat is the hero we need

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini wrote on X: "...Our government has decided that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and felicitated like a medalist. All the respect, rewards and facilities that the Haryana government gives to the Olympic silver medalist will be gratefully given to Vinesh Phogat as well."

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has defended its strict weight regulations following the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics. President Nenad Lalovic emphasized that the rules are designed to protect athletes' health and ensure fair competition.

Lalovic acknowledged the challenges faced by wrestlers in maintaining weight categories but stressed the importance of competing at a natural weight class. He expressed concerns about the long-term health implications of extreme weight cutting, stating that the rules are in place to safeguard athletes' well-being.

“The wrestlers are losing too much weight and it’s not good for their health. Many have seen their interest at the moment but they don’t see what happens in 20-30 years. We want athletes to compete at their natural weight. That’s the idea. This is when they make the best performances,” Lalovic told Indian journalists after Vinesh's disqualification.

The UWW's stance on the matter highlights the ongoing debate surrounding weight management in combat sports and the need for a balance between competitive fairness and athlete health.

Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor has issued a strong condemnation of weight cutting practices, particularly in women's wrestling. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Elor described the process as "the dark side of the sport," highlighting the unnecessary physical and mental toll it takes on athletes.

The wrestler expressed concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of rapid weight loss, especially for young athletes. Elor emphasized that weight cutting should not be promoted or encouraged, as it can negatively impact an athlete's overall well-being and performance.

By speaking out against this harmful practice, Elor joins a growing number of athletes and advocates who are calling for changes in the sport to prioritize athlete health and safety.

"It’s something that a lot of times, if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can be really promoted and it’s very unnecessary − especially from a young age," said Elor, who won gold at 68 kilograms on Tuesday night.

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, met Vinesh Phogat in the Athletes Village. He also shared one of the first images of Vinehs after she was heartbreakingly disqualified from the Paris Olympics, just before she was to compete in the final.

Here is the message Abhinav Bindra posted on social media along with images with Vinesh Phogat. 

Dear Vinesh,                                                                            

It is  said that sport is a celebration of human will. I have known that to be true many times in my career but never has it resonated more than today. As I look around me, I see a nation and its people celebrate your unyielding resolve. 
You are a fighter – on and off the mat. Through you, we are learning what it means to never lose the fight in us, even as a loss weighs heavily. You embody the true spirit of a warrior. 

Not all victories look alike. Some end up as a glittering souvenir in a cabinet but the ones that matter more find their way into the stories we tell our children. And every child in this country will know the champion you are. Every child will grow up wanting to face life with the resilience you have displayed. I thank you for that.

Respect, 
Abhinav Bindra

The Indian hockey team has halted its wretched luck at Paris -- where the past couple of days have only seen near-misses and gut-wrenching heartbreaks -- by winning a bronze medal.

The men's hockey team clinched the bronze medal with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Spain. Captain Harmanpreet Singh emerged as the hero, scoring both goals for the Indian side.

This marks India's fourth bronze medal at the ongoing Games. The hockey team's triumph comes after a series of disappointing results for the Indian contingent on Wednesday.

With Neeraj Chopra set to defend his javelin gold later in the day and wrestler Aman Sehrawat aiming for a final spot, there is still potential for more medals to be added to India's tally.

GOAL!!!!!

Harmanpreet Singh slipped a slow dragflick into the Spanish goal for his second goal to hand India a lead in the third quarter.

He had banged in his drag flick at the cusp of half-time to level the scores at 1-1 in the India vs Spain bronze medal match . India were trailing by a goal against Spain in the Paris Olympics bronze medal match after they conceded a penalty stroke in the second quarter, which Marc Miralles scored. 

Q3: INDIA 2-1 SPAIN

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh once again scores when the Indian Hockey Team needed him the most! India have a PC just before halftime, which Harman absolutely blasts into the left corner. No one could have stopped that. India head to half-time level after Marc Miralles had scored from a penalty stroke. Spain came close in that quarter to scoring their second goal. They had a shot that hit the post. But eventually, India manages to level just before halftime. 

The most important 30 minutes of hockey coming up for the Indian hockey team. 

Follow our liveblog for the India vs Spain bronze medal hockey match from the paris Olympics

The Indian hockey team finds itself trailing by 0-1 in the second quarter after a goal from Marc Miralles. He slots his stroke past Sreejesh in 18' minute. 

India hoping to win their second Olympic bronze medal after Tokyo 2020.

Follow our India vs Spain hockey liveblog

Geeta Phogat has hailed her cousin Vinesh Phogat after the latter announced her retirement.

"Sister Vinesh Phogat, we will always be indebted to you for what you have done for the country. Your passion and struggle will be remembered for centuries. You are a role model for all girls. Your saying goodbye to wrestling like this is very sad for the whole family and the whole country." Geeta posted on social media.  

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has announced a Rs 25 lakh cash reward for wrestler Vinesh Phogat, in light of her disqualification from the Paris Olympics.LPU has maintained its commitment to supporting its student-athletes, recognising Vinesh Phogat's exceptional journey and contributions to Indian sports.

LPU has established a comprehensive cash reward program for its Olympic medalists, with prizes ranging from Rs 10 lakh for bronze, Rs 25 lakh for silver, to Rs 50 lakh for gold.Despite the disqulification, LPU has lauded Vinesh Phogat's efforts and determination.

The university's founder chancellor, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, who is a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)said: "For us, Vinesh is still a medal winner. Her dedication and skill throughout her journey deserve recognition, and we are proud to award her the promised prize money of Rs 25 lakhs, which was reserved for silver medalists."

The biggest lesson from today is that Vinesh Phogat went to the Paris Olympics as a hero. And she will come back a bigger one, Priya Ramani writes in her column in The Indian Express. Here's an excerpt from her piece: 

In 2021, I won a prolonged court battle against a former minister in the Narendra Modi government. This week, when Vinesh Phogat started acing her matches, I felt like I had won again. That her success was vindication for everything this country puts its women through. Vinesh Phogat and I share the same legal team, led by lawyer Rebecca John, but Vinesh Phogat’s joy and grief is personal for many of us. The language women used to share how they felt after the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification broke was intimate — “painful”, “heartbreaking”, “angry”, “weepy”, “shattering”.

Vinesh Phogat had the collective prayers and “you go girl” cheers of Indian women for whom sexual harassment is a daily reality. And their anger. She channelled this rage of women to barrel through to the final. I recognised the emotion from nearly 8,000 km away. After her disqualification, our feelings of pride in Phogat and anger against a system that didn’t care enough have only increased. More than ever, Vinesh is the hero we need.

Why Vinesh Phogat is the hero we need

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat suffered a heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics after failing to meet the weight requirements ahead of the 50kg final. Despite reaching the final after making weight on Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat was unable to make the necessary weight cut on the morning of the competition on Wednesday.

The rigorous weight-cutting process, common in combat sports, involves athletes shedding significant amounts of weight to compete in lower weight categories. Wrestlers often push their bodies to the limit to meet strict weight standards, which are determined by the governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW).

In this explainer, Shashank Nair answers some questions and debunks misconceptions: 

• What is a weight cut?
• When do wrestlers weigh in?
• Why was it tough for Vinesh Phogat to cut weight?
• Why was she disqualified despite making the weight on the first day?
• Could Vinesh have salvaged a medal if she was injured?
• Why do Olympic wrestlers have to weigh in on two days?
• Was a two-day weigh-in always the rule?
• How can a wrestler weigh two kilos higher on Day 2, after weighing 50 kg on Day 1?

READ our explainer on weight cutting in wrestling and why Vinesh Phogat missed the cut today

Taking to his Twitter account, American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs, considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time, wrote, "Give Vinesh silver."

Burroughs, a six-time World Championship gold medalist along who also won the gold at London 2012 Olympics.

He also weighed in on the matter of weight cutting, "Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final."

(READ MORE reactions in the aftermath of the controversy)

"Vinesh, may God give a daughter like you in every home. You will always be known as a wrestling legend," postes Bajrang Punia who was one of the faces of the wrestlers' protest along with Vinesh. 

Earlier, when Vinesh had announced her retirement from the sport in an early morning tweet, Bajrang Punia had reacted saying: "Vinesh, you have not lost, you have been defeated, for us you will always be a winner, you are not only the daughter of India but also the pride of India."

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, met Vinesh Phogat in the Athletes Village. He also shared one of the first images of Vinehs after she was heartbreakingly disqualified from the Paris Olympics, just before she was to compete in the final.

Here is the message  Abhinav Bindra posted on social media along with images with Vinesh Phogat. 

Dear Vinesh,                                                                            

It is  said that sport is a celebration of human will. I have known that to be true many times in my career but never has it resonated more than today. As I look around me, I see a nation and its people celebrate your unyielding resolve. 
You are a fighter – on and off the mat. Through you, we are learning what it means to never lose the fight in us, even as a loss weighs heavily. You embody the true spirit of a warrior. 

Not all victories look alike. Some end up as a glittering souvenir in a cabinet but the ones that matter more find their way into the stories we tell our children. And every child in this country will know the champion you are. Every child will grow up wanting to face life with the resilience you have displayed. I thank you for that.

Respect, 
Abhinav Bindra

After Vinesh Phogat was handed a disqualification due to a weight issue, which saw her end her Paris Olympics campaign empty-handed despite reaching the 50kg final, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini wrote on X: "...Our government has decided that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and felicitated like a medalist. All the respect, rewards and facilities that the Haryana government gives to the Olympic silver medalist will be gratefully given to Vinesh Phogat as well."

Lovely Professional University (LPU) has announced a Rs 25 lakh cash reward for wrestler Vinesh Phogat, in light of her disqualification from the Paris Olympics.LPU has maintained its commitment to supporting its student-athletes, recognising Vinesh Phogat's exceptional journey and contributions to Indian sports.

LPU has established a comprehensive cash reward program for its Olympic medalists, with prizes ranging from Rs 10 lakh for bronze, Rs 25 lakh for silver, to Rs 50 lakh for gold.Despite the disqulification, LPU has lauded Vinesh Phogat's efforts and determination.

The university's founder chancellor, Dr. Ashok Kumar Mittal, who is a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)said: "For us, Vinesh is still a medal winner. Her dedication and skill throughout her journey deserve recognition, and we are proud to award her the promised prize money of Rs 25 lakhs, which was reserved for silver medalists."   

Rasquinha writes:

7. Is there any possibility of legal remedy? 

We are exploring those options but can't say as of now as I am not an expert on this. 

8. Was it an option to not go for the weigh-in and say that she was injured? 

Not an option. A player cannot declare herself unfit or sick. This has to be certified by the tournament doctor. If the player misses the weigh in, then the player gets disqualified. 

9. Could we have asked for more time since it was only a matter of 100 grams?

The CMO, CDM strongly requested the officials for this but no leeway was given in this regard.

10. Couldn't Vinesh have cut off her hair?

She did cut off her hair in the morning before the weigh-in.

Rasquinha writes on X:

4. Could Vinesh and the team have done anything more? Could they have planned weight management better? 

The team did everything possible. You cannot practice this in advance as constant weight control for wrestlers puts their health at severe risk and hampers training which is better at an optimum weight as per medical advice. Vinesh and the team did everything possible to try and make weight on day 2. The doctor, nutritionist, coach, CMO, CDM and everyone was with her throughout the night. She did not sleep even for 1 minute all night. She pushed herself to the limits to make weight. Unfortunately, she just missed the mark. 

5. Is there any possibility of sabotage? 

Zero chance

6.Is there any possibility of appeal by lOA? 

That is for IOA to take it up with higher authorities 

Rasquinha writes on X

2. Why give weight on 2 days? 

This is as per UWW Rules. You have to weigh within your weight category on both days. 

3. If Vinesh made the weight on day 1, what was the problem on day 2? 

When Vinesh made weight on day 1, she had to have a planned recovery meal post weigh in to regain some strength. Her weight bounced to 52.7 due to rehydration (even with a very tiny meal). This is also because weight loss is mainly by dehydration. So, the challenge was to now lose that 2.7 kgs until 7.15am the next morning (about 12 hours). Her semi-final final bout got over around 7pm Paris time. 

Rasquinha writes on X: I am making this statement in my personal capacity. 

As per the rules of UWW, Vinesh Phogat had to make weight on 2 days of her 50 kgs women's wrestling category at the Paris Olympics if she reached the final or was eligible for repechage. She made weight as per rules within 50 kgs on the morning of 6th August. 

Generally, post the morning weigh in, wrestlers have a recovery meal to regain strength and their weight immediately bounces back by 2-3 kgs depending on their regular weight. Vinesh's regular weight is 55 kgs. 

On 6'h August evening after the semi-final, Vinesh weighed in at 52.7 kgs. Post the semi-final, she did not have any water or food and immediately started on the plan for losing weight for the next day's weigh-in in which was scheduled from 7.15 am to 7.30 am Paris time. She and the team did everything possible - steam, sauna, static cycling, running, gym etc. Unfortunately she missed the weight by 100 gms. 

I'll try to answer a few questions that I am being asked continuously: 

1. Why is Vinesh fighting in 50 kgs weight category when her normal weight is 55kgs? 

Almost all wrestlers the world over fight in a weight category 3-4 kgs below their normal weight. Vinesh was wrestling in the 53 kgs weight category for the last 5-6 years. She had an ACL Surgery on 17th Aug 2023 and during the rehab period, Antim Panghal won the quota for India in the 53 kgs weight category. A country can only send one wrestler per Olympic category if they seal a quota. Post her return to play, Vinesh would have ideally liked to compete in the 53kg category itself, which was her regular weight category. Vinesh requested for transparency on trial dates. However, there was no clarity on the same. So, she decided to go in the 50kg category and won the quota in the Olympic qualifiers. As you all saw, her choice was right and she did so well in this weight beating the Olympic and World Champion Susaki of Japan and two other wrestlers to make it to the final. 

Former India hockey player and Olympic Gold Quest (OGC) has issued a statement explaining the situaion.

My personal statement on Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification:

Vinesh and the entire team that worked with her are devastated with the disqualification from the Paris Olympics. I have tried to answer some questions that have been asked to me since yesterday morning. pic.twitter.com/Ngppw4tijO

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 8, 2024

Legend ??? @Phogat_Vinesh pic.twitter.com/d5s6st7at0

— geeta phogat (@geeta_phogat) August 8, 2024

Two halls at the National Institute of Sport in Patiala are abuzz, because Vinesh Phogat has done something audacious. The multiple-time Worlds medallist chooses to weigh in for both the 50 kg and 53 kg categories. She wins the 50 kg trials and finishes in the top four of the 53 kg trials.

Phogat competed in two categories as she had no clarity on which category she could be part of due to the opaqueness of rules, and this way, her participation at the Olympics remained in her hands. READ MORE

Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini wrote on X: "...Our government has decided that Vinesh Phogat will be welcomed and felicitated like a medalist. All the respect, rewards and facilities that the Haryana government gives to the Olympic silver medalist will be gratefully given to Vinesh Phogat as well."

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal and her support staff are facing deportation from the Paris Olympics following a serious breach of security protocols.

The incident involves Antim Panghal's sister using the wrestler's accreditation card to gain unauthorized access to the Olympic Village.

The matter came to light when Antim Panghal's sister was apprehended by security officials, leading to a police investigation. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has taken a strict stance on the matter, deciding to send the entire entourage back to India.

The controversy comes as a significant setback for the Indian wrestling team, which has been under scrutiny following recent events. The incident has also raised questions about the security measures in place at the Olympic Village.

Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor had issued a strong condemnation of weight cutting practices, particularly in women's wrestling in an interview earlier this year with USA TODAY Sports.

Amit Elor described the process that wrestlers undergo to cut weight as "the dark side of the sport," highlighting the unnecessary physical and mental toll it takes on athletes.

The American wrestler had expressed concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of rapid weight loss, especially for young athletes. Elor emphasized that weight cutting should not be promoted or encouraged, as it can negatively impact an athlete's overall well-being and performance.

"For women, I think weight cutting is very unhealthy and not recommended. Not only physically but mentally, I think it can ruin your relationship with the sport. It makes it less about wrestling and more about sweating and dieting and feeling hungry and tired and weak − and those things are unnecessary, especially when you’re just starting out," Amit Elor, who won Olympic gold in the 68kg weight class had said.

Amit Elor thus joins a growing number of athletes and advocates who are calling for changes in the sport to prioritize athlete health and safety.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) last night defended its two-day weigh-in system after the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics.The global governing body for wrestling has emphasized that the rule was implemented to protect the health and well-being of athletes by preventing extreme weight cutting. 

When asked if it was possible to hand Vinesh Phogat a silver medal, given she made the weight the previous day, he replied: “Impossible. Because the brackets are changing. Everything is changing. And anyway, the rules are rules.”

He also said it wasn’t considered to exempt Vinesh Phogat even though she was ‘only 100 grams’ over. “I am really so sad and I understand Vinesh, her disappointment… (But) If you allow this 100 grams, then you would be allowed 200 grams. There is no end…”

Introduced in 2017, the two-day weigh-in format aimed to reduce the pressure on wrestlers to rapidly shed weight before competition. By spreading the weight checks over two days, the UWW intended to promote a healthier approach to the sport.

While expressing sympathy for Vinesh Phogat's situation, UWW president Nenad Lalovic reiterated the organization's commitment to athlete safety and fair competition. He stressed the importance of competing at a natural weight to optimize performance and long-term health.

“The wrestlers are losing too much weight and it’s not good for their health. Many have seen their interest at the moment but they don’t see what happens in 20-30 years. We want athletes to compete at their natural weight. That’s the idea. This is when they make the best performances,” Lalovic said.

Sakshi Malik, who is one of the closest friends of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, has reacted to news that Vinesh is announcing her retirement. Sakshi and Vinesh had jointly led the wrestlers' protests against the WFI chief and BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh last year.  

'Vinesh, you did not lose, every daughter for whom you fought and won has lost. This is the defeat of the whole country of India. The country is with you. Salute to his struggle and passion as a player,' tweeted Sakshi. 

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dream was shattered after she was disqualified from the 50kg final due to weight fluctuations. Despite successfully making weight the previous day, Phogat was unable to maintain the required weight category on the day of the final.

The 29-year-old athlete underwent extreme measures to shed the excess weight, including intense exercise throughout the night. However, her efforts proved insufficient as she was found to be slightly over the weight limit. Abour 100 grams.

The stringent weight regulations in wrestling demand athletes to maintain their weight category on both days of competition. This rule is in place to ensure fair competition and prevent athletes from gaining an unfair advantage by competing in a lower weight class.

Phogat's disqualification is a heartbreaking setback for both the athlete and the Indian sporting community. The Indian Olympic Association has expressed disappointment and requested privacy for the affected wrestler as she copes with this difficult situation.

READ OUR EXPLAINER ON WHY VINESH FAILED TO MAKE WEIGHT

Bajrang Punia, one of the closest confidants of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, has reacted to news that she is announcing her retirement. 

Bajrang and Vinesh had jointly led the wrestlers' protests against the WFI chief and BJP MP, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh last year.   

"Vinesh, you have not lost, you have been defeated. For us, you will always be a winner, you are not only the daughter of India but also the pride of India," tweets the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist. 

Day after her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat has announced to retire from professional wrestling. She announced her decision to retire on X.

??? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ?? ??? ??? ?? ???? ???? ???? ???? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ???? ???? ??????? ????? ???? ??? ???

?????? ?????? 2001-2024 ?

?? ???? ????? ??? ?????? ???? ??

— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024

Well, in case any of our Indian readers are wondering, the women’s 50kg final has taken place and USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt has beaten Cuba’s Lopez, who lost to Vinesh last night but came in as the replacment, reports Vinayakk.

To this Mihir adds: "Lopez gets silver after losing two bouts."

Shashank Nair also chimes in: "Not one single takedown in the semis or final."

Indian wrestler Antim Panghal, who lost in the 53kg category, was summoned by the police inside the Athletes’ Village in Paris. Antim was accused of ‘smuggling’ her sister inside the village, in a major violation of the rules.It is learnt that Antim and her sister are likely to be ‘deported’ back to India on Thursday."The Indian Olympic Association has decided to fly wrestler Antim and her support staff back after a disciplinary breach was brought to IOA’s notice by the French authorities," an IOA statement said.Read Mihir Vasavda's report from Paris

Down on the mat after being disqualified, Vinesh Phogat chooses to deal with it the only way she knows how: by fighting.

Mihir Vasavda, The Indian Express' man on the ground in Paris covering the Olympics, reports that the Indian contingent has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with the demand that Vinesh Phogat be awarded the silver medal.It is expected that a ruling will be made tomorrow. 

The CAS resolves legal disputes in the field of sport. It's essentially the Supreme Court for international sporting disputes.

There is one question that has been asked by plenty of people afte rVinesh Phogat was disqualified for being about 1000gms above the weight cut: Why did Vinesh Phogat change weight category to 50kg from her usual 53kg?

Vinesh Phogat competed in the 48 kg category at her maiden Olympic appearance at the 2016 Rio Games. She won the Asian Games gold medal in the 50 kg weight class but just over a year later, won a bronze in the 53 kg category at the 2019 World Championships. The reason for the switch was the weight cut she was struggling with.

To avoid that struggle, Vinesh Phogat chose to become a 53 kg wrestler after the Asian Games, and at one point after the Tokyo Games, was also wrestling in the 55 kg category. She won a bronze at the 2022 World Championships in 53 kg but after spearheading the protests against ex-WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, her return was curtailed by a knee ligament injury.

During that time, Antim Panghal won a bronze at the 2023 World Championships, thus getting India a Paris Olympics quota in the 53 kg category. Former Wrestling Federation of India rules gave the quota winner the go-ahead for the Olympics, and so Vinesh Phogat was in a fix, because the ad-hoc committee was running wrestling in India at the time and they had promised her that there would be a trial for the 53 kg category. But that decision might have been taken away from their hands as the WFI was set to return to power after conducting their election and selecting Sanjay Singh as its new president.

And thus when March 12 came, Vinesh Phogat believed that a WFI return wouldn’t necessarily guarantee her a shot at the Olympics in the 53 kg category. Which meant she either had to switch to the 50 kg category, or the 57 kg. She chose 50 – a weight class she had last been part of in 2018.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has defended its strict weight regulations following the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics. President Nenad Lalovic emphasized that the rules are designed to protect athletes' health and ensure fair competition.

Lalovic acknowledged the challenges faced by wrestlers in maintaining weight categories but stressed the importance of competing at a natural weight class. He expressed concerns about the long-term health implications of extreme weight cutting, stating that the rules are in place to safeguard athletes' well-being.

“The wrestlers are losing too much weight and it’s not good for their health. Many have seen their interest at the moment but they don’t see what happens in 20-30 years. We want athletes to compete at their natural weight. That’s the idea. This is when they make the best performances,” Lalovic told Indian journalists after Vinesh's disqualification.

The UWW's stance on the matter highlights the ongoing debate surrounding weight management in combat sports and the need for a balance between competitive fairness and athlete health.

Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, who was one of the faces of the wrestlers' protests along with Vinesh Phogat, has posted an emotional message on social media for her.

"Vinesh you are a gold medalist of courage and morality. You are a daughter of the soil and hence this medal also belongs to the soil. You fought with great courage. Yesterday when the Olympic officials weighed you before playing, your weight was absolutely perfect. No one wants to believe what happened this morning," he posted on X.

"100 grams. I can't believe that this has happened to you. The whole country is unable to hold back its tears. Olympic medals of all countries are on one side and your medal is on the other. Every person in the world was praying for you. Every woman in the world felt this medal was like a personal medal. I wish these voices of all the women of the world reach the right place. I hope that all the women wrestlers of the world participating in the Olympics will stand in solidarity with Vinesh."

Two-time Olympic medallist from India, PV Sindhu, has posted a heartwarming message for Vinesh Phogat. Here's what she said on social media.

"Dear Vinesh Phogat, you will always be a champion in our eyes. I was deeply hoping you could win the gold. The little time I spent with you at PDCSE was watching a woman with a superhuman will fight to get better. I am here for you always, sending all the universe’s positivity your way," says Sindhu.

Vinayakk writes: Here’s Aman Sehrawat’s bracket for men’s 57kg. Reminder he is the only Indian male wrestler to qualify for Paris, and is seeded 5th.

Vinayakk writes: Here’s Anshu Malik’s bracket for women’s 57kg, she begins her campaign on Thursday with a bout against 5th seeded American.

The biggest lesson from today is that Vinesh Phogat went to the Paris Olympics as a hero. And she will come back a bigger one, Priya Ramani writes in her column in The Indian Express. Here's an excerpt from her piece: 

In 2021, I won a prolonged court battle against a former minister in the Narendra Modi government. This week, when Vinesh Phogat started acing her matches, I felt like I had won again. That her success was vindication for everything this country puts its women through. Vinesh Phogat and I share the same legal team, led by lawyer Rebecca John, but Vinesh Phogat’s joy and grief is personal for many of us. The language women used to share how they felt after the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification broke was intimate — “painful”, “heartbreaking”, “angry”, “weepy”, “shattering”.

Vinesh Phogat had the collective prayers and “you go girl” cheers of Indian women for whom sexual harassment is a daily reality. And their anger. She channelled this rage of women to barrel through to the final. I recognised the emotion from nearly 8,000 km away. After her disqualification, our feelings of pride in Phogat and anger against a system that didn’t care enough have only increased. More than ever, Vinesh is the hero we need.

Why Vinesh Phogat is the hero we need

She took down someone who had never been defeated. She reached a peak no wrestler had climbed. And just when it seemed she was staring at a sliver of gold at the end of a dark tunnel, she was felled by a rule that had never been this cruel to any Olympian. This was the first Vinesh Phogat didn’t deserve.

Phogat had the will and the heart to take on the five-time BJP MP and Indian wrestling supremo Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and compel the court to hear charges of sexual harassment against him. On the mat, she had the resolve to stun the so-far-unbeatable Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki.

It would be tempting to burn the rule book, tell the officials to have a heart, question the fairness of the world or moan at the cruelty of fate. But that ship has sailed, it wouldn’t help. Outrage, at best, can be cathartic. The fact is the 50kg Olympic podium wouldn’t have Phogat. 

The reason: She weighed more than others. By how much? Walk to your dining table, lift the salt-sprinkler, to get an idea. Take a pinch from it and gulp down a glass of water to push the lump down your throat.

Read Sandeep Dwivedi's column on Vinesh Phogat

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat suffered a heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics after failing to meet the weight requirements ahead of the 50kg final. Despite reaching the final after making weight on Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat was unable to make the necessary weight cut on the morning of the competition on Wednesday.

The rigorous weight-cutting process, common in combat sports, involves athletes shedding significant amounts of weight to compete in lower weight categories. Wrestlers often push their bodies to the limit to meet strict weight standards, which are determined by the governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW).

In this explainer, Shashank Nair answers some questions and debunks misconceptions: 

• What is a weight cut?
• When do wrestlers weigh in?
• Why was it tough for Vinesh Phogat to cut weight?
• Why was she disqualified despite making the weight on the first day?
• Could Vinesh have salvaged a medal if she was injured?
• Why do Olympic wrestlers have to weigh in on two days?
• Was a two-day weigh-in always the rule?
• How can a wrestler weigh two kilos higher on Day 2, after weighing 50 kg on Day 1?

READ our explainer on weight cutting in wrestling and why Vinesh Phogat missed the cut today

Vinesh has always struggled to cut weight for the 50kg category. She had been participating in the 53 kg category until recently before she made the switch to 50 kg. The switch was made at the trials in NIS, Patiala. Phogat’s usual weight is around 55-56 kg, which she has to cut to 50 kg on the days of competition. Keeping her body weight below 55-56 kg has proved to be quite tough as there isn’t much more weight to cut and cutting water weight by sweating out has proven to be extremely challenging for the Indian wrestler. (READ MORE)

"We have to stand up again. Till now, Vinesh and all os us have fought every situation and will continue to do so. That’s what I told Vinesh on the phone today after she missed the weight. While I am yet to meet her later in the evening, I know she is someone, who won’t be lamenting the fact that she missed the Olympic medal. She would be only thinking, what's next for her now and how many more trials will god put her through for her to rise again," (READ MORE)

It was an extra 100 grams that prevented Vinesh Phogat from becoming the first Indian woman to play in an Olympic Wrestling final. Phogat however, had undergone all the drastic measures through the night in the lead-up to her bout to cut on the excess weight.

“We had tried all the drastic weight-cut measures through the night including cutting her hair, shortening her clothes, despite all of this we could not make that 50Kg weight category,” said Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris.

"It's part of the game," a brave Vinesh Phogat told the Indian coaches who met her after her shock disqualification from the Paris Olympics for weighing 100g more than the permissible limit in the women's 50kg category on Wednesday.

Women's national coach Virender Dahiya and Manjeet Rani met the feisty wrestler, who had caused a flutter at the wrestling arena by beating world number one and defending champion Yui Susaki in the opening round on Tuesday.

As the nation prepared to celebrate Vinesh's medal-winning run -- she was assured of at-least a silver -- Vinesh was disqualified when she could not ace the second weigh-in.

"It sent a shockwave through the wrestling contingent. The girls were feeling pretty low after the news broke. We met Vinesh and tried to console her. She was brave. She told us, 'it's hard luck that we missed the medal, but it is part of the game'," Dahiya said, sharing the details of their meeting.

Broken knees and ruptured ligaments didn’t break her spirit. Spending nights on the footpaths of the Capital and being dragged into a van by Delhi Police couldn’t stop her. A hundred grams did. The extra weight that disqualified her from competing for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics.

There would be no happy ending to this story. At least for now. (READ MORE)

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dream was shattered after she was disqualified from the 50kg final due to weight fluctuations. Despite successfully making weight the previous day, Phogat was unable to maintain the required weight category on the day of the final.

The 29-year-old athlete underwent extreme measures to shed the excess weight, including intense exercise throughout the night. However, her efforts proved insufficient as she was found to be slightly over the weight limit. Abour 100 grams.

The stringent weight regulations in wrestling demand athletes to maintain their weight category on both days of competition. This rule is in place to ensure fair competition and prevent athletes from gaining an unfair advantage by competing in a lower weight class.

Phogat's disqualification is a heartbreaking setback for both the athlete and the Indian sporting community. The Indian Olympic Association has expressed disappointment and requested privacy for the affected wrestler as she copes with this difficult situation.

READ OUR EXPLAINER ON WHY VINESH FAILED TO MAKE WEIGHT

Taking to his Twitter, American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs wrote, "Give Vinesh silver."

Burroughs, a six-time World Championship gold medalist along who also won the gold at London 2012 Olympics, is considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time. 

He also weighed in on the matter of weight cutting, "Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final." (READ MORE reactions in the aftermath of the controversy)