Vinesh Phogat: Indian contingent's medical officer explains 'drastic' steps taken to cut wrestler's weight

India’s Chief Medical Officer at the Paris Olympics 2024, Dinshaw Pardiwala, has explained all the “drastic measures” that were taken to help Vinesh Phogat lose the required weight ahead of her weigh-in for the gold medal match in 53kg freestyle wrestling event. The Indian wrestler, however, was disqualified due to being overweight by 100 grams.

She will have to return empty hands from the Olympics despite reaching the final.

Explaining the whole process, Pardiwala said 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.

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“The process of weight cut involves a calculated restriction of food and water along with sweating from exercises and sauna till the morning weigh-in,” Pardiwala said in a video released by the Indian Olympic Association.

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The weight cut, however, can cause weakness and energy depletion, which is counter-productive to participation, and hence, for energy restoration, limited water and high-energy foods are given after weigh-in.

“Vinesh’s nutritionist had calculated this to be 1.5 kg. There sometimes is also a rebound weight gain following competition,” Pardiwala revealed.

“Vinesh had 3 bouts, and hence, small amounts of water had to be given to prevent dehydration. Her post-participation weight was found to be increased.”

As per Pardiwala, Vinesh’s coach initiated the normal process of weight cut and was confident that it would be achieved.

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However, Vinesh was found to be 100 grams over her 50 kg weight category, and hence, she was disqualified.

“All possible drastic measures, including cutting off her hair, were used. However, she was not below her allowed weight of 50 kg,” Pardiwala explained.

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“As a precautionary measure, Vinesh was administered IV fluids following disqualification to prevent dehydration. We are also getting blood tests performed at the local hospital to ensure that all is well. All of Vinesh’s parameters were normal throughout this process, and she feels perfectly well.”

He added that IOA President PT Usha had an interaction with Vinesh and that the wrestler “is physically and medically perfectly normal, she is disappointed with her disqualification.”