The Disqualification of Vinesh Phogat: A Wrestling Saga Marred by Controversy
How a Single Misstep Shattered a Remarkable Wrestling Career
Vinesh Phogat, one of India's premier wrestlers, found herself at the center of a storm after being disqualified from an Olympics wrestling event, on the day of final. The disqualification, though rooted in the strict enforcement of rules, has sparked widespread debate, with some voices in India attempting to give the incident a political color.
Who is Vinesh Phogat?
Vinesh Phogat is one of India's most accomplished wrestlers, hailing from the illustrious Phogat family, which has produced several top-level wrestlers. Born on August 25, 1994, in Balali, Haryana, Vinesh is the niece of Mahavir Singh Phogat, the legendary wrestling coach whose story inspired the Bollywood movie Dangal.
Vinesh Phogat broke onto the international stage in 2013 as a 19-year-old, winning bronze at the Asian wrestling championship in Delhi. Soon after, she staged a massive upset at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, defeating home favourite Yana Rattigan to win the gold. With her consistent incredible performances, she had emerged as a key figure in Indian Wrestling
The Build-Up to the Final Weigh-In
Vinesh usually maintains a weight of around 51-53 kg. In 2020 Olympics she competed in the 53Kg category, but with Antim Panghal grabbing the 53kg spot for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Vinesh Phogat took the decision to compete in the women's 50kg event. The decision to compete in a lower weight class required a strict regimen.
Vinesh put forward an outstanding performance and become the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final in wrestling. But a significant challenge came to possession against her just a day before the final. Vinesh weighed in at 52 kg—2 kg over the limit. The pressure to make weight was immense, leading Vinesh and her team to take extreme measures to shed the excess weight.
In a desperate bid to qualify, Vinesh resorted to not eating food, spending hours on the treadmill, and enduring extended sessions in the sauna. The intensity of these efforts left her physically drained and lethargic, severely impacting her energy levels. Despite her exhaustion, Vinesh knew that while her chances of winning gold were slim due to her weakened state, simply competing could still secure her a silver medal.
However, just hours before the final, Vinesh weighed in at 50.1 kg—100 grams over the limit. Determined to compete, she and her team took even more drastic steps. Vinesh drained blood and cut her hair in a last-ditch attempt to lose the remaining weight. Despite these extreme measures, the weight stubbornly remained above the 50 kg threshold. Vinesh was disqualified and barred from contesting the final. According to rules, she ranked last in the category in the event and ended what would have been a historic campaign.
The Disqualification: A Stringent Enforcement of Rules
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) disqualified Vinesh Phogat on the grounds of not meeting the required weight criteria. The United World Wrestling (UWW), the governing body for the sport, supported this decision, reinforcing the importance of adhering to the established regulations.
Vinesh and her team sought recourse, taking their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest authority in sports-related disputes. However, CAS upheld the disqualification, stating that the decision was in line with the rules and would not be overturned.
The disqualification was not just a professional setback but a deeply personal blow to Vinesh Phogat. The heartbreak of falling short by a mere 100 grams after such intense efforts left her devastated. The toll of the disqualification, combined with the emotional and physical strain she endured, led Vinesh to make the difficult decision to announce her retirement from the sport.
Her decision was met with shock and sorrow from fans and the wrestling community, as Vinesh has been a symbol of resilience and determination in Indian sports. The disqualification and the circumstances surrounding it left her heartbroken, leading her to step away from the sport she had dedicated her life to.
The Political Controversy: A Misguided Allegation
In the wake of the disqualification, some liberal factions in India attempted to politicize the issue, alleging that the Indian government did not do enough to support Vinesh Phogat. These claims seem to stem from the fact that Vinesh was a prominent figure in the protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, former Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief and a prominent politician.
However, adding political colour to this incident is completely pointless. The Indian government, through the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), took prompt action to support Vinesh. The IOA appointed two of India's top advocates, Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, to represent her in the legal battle at CAS. The government’s involvement was both timely and substantial, demonstrating its commitment to ensuring fair representation for the athlete.
Conclusion
While the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat is a significant setback, it serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to the rules in international sports. The efforts made by Vinesh and her team to meet the weight requirements, though valiant, ultimately fell short. The subsequent legal battle, supported by the IOA and the Indian government, highlighted the lengths to which they went to fight for justice.
Instead of politicizing the incident, the focus should be on supporting Vinesh Phogat during this difficult time. The wrestling community, her fans, and sports enthusiasts should rally around her, encouraging her to reconsider her retirement decision and return to the sport she has mastered. Vinesh's story is far from over, and with the right support, she can bounce back stronger than ever, ready to take on new challenges and continue making India proud on the global stage.
I can't imagine how a top athlete would feel to have to end a career under these circumstances. Getting dominated and losing is probably preferable to this fate. It's unfortunate that the controversy got so politicized.