Paris, France, August 7, 2024: United World Wrestling President Nenad Lalovic met with Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh and Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha in the wake of the Vinesh Phogat disqualification from the 50kg competition after the wrestler failed the weigh-ins on the second day of her competition, UWW reports.
During the meeting at the Wrestling House in Paris, Lalovic said that strict rules for weigh-in on competition days were drawn up keeping the wrestlers’ long-term health in view. The rules dissuade athletes from competing in lower weight categories with weight loss methods that could impact their health in the long term.
On IOA’s suggestion that a wrestler's results from the day on which the athlete met the weigh-in requirements should not be disqualified, the UWW President was sympathetic. UWW will also discuss the suggestion at an appropriate platform but it could not be done retrospectively.
Usha thanked Lalovic for taking in the Wrestling Federation of India’s appeal and giving her a patient hearing. She said as an athlete herself she understood the importance of the need for rules to be drawn up to protect athletes from taking health risks. She also said it was important for all athletes to uphold Olympic values and fair play.
UWW follows the set rules in all competitions including the Games. Its decision to disqualify Vinesh is in line with the rules of international wrestling, like all other instances of wrestlers failing to weigh in on the day of the competition.
“UWW wishes Vinesh a speedy recovery and hopes Vinesh can continue to perform in the inspiring way she did in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games,” UWW said.
Even though Vinesh Phogat reached the final the previous day, the disqualification on Wednesday morning meant that she could not receive any medal.