Some Water Had To Be Given”: Medical Officer On Vinesh Phogat’s Increased Weight

As the entire India sheds tears on Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympic Games, the contingent’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala for the quadrennial event, shed light on the entire weight controversy. Vinesh was set to participate in her gold medal match on Wednesday but she failed the morning weigh-in, as she was overweight by about 100 grams, in the 50kg category. Dr Pardiwala explained that Vinesh’s weight gain was higher than expected after she finished her three bouts on Tuesday. But, it couldn’t be brought down in time despite extreme efforts.

Wrestlers usually participate in a weight category less than their natural weight. It gives them an advantage since they are fighting with less stronger opponents. The process of weight cut prior to the weigh-in in the morning involves a calculated restriction of food and water.

Besides this, the athlete needs to sweat and that sweating is done with sauna and with exercise. Now this weight cut has the benefit of putting you into a lighter weight but does cause weakness and energy depletion, and this is counterproductive to participation.