Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla has rejected claims of conspiracy surrounding wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics. Sumariwalla attributed the incident to a ‘technicality’ and urged against politicizing the matter. He highlighted that Phogat had traditionally competed in the 53kg category before making a weight class change for the Paris Olympics. Phogat, who was set to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt in the 50kg gold medal match, was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight shortly before the competition.
AFI president dismisses conspiracy theories around Vinesh Phogat's disqualification
"There is no conspiracy. If you are overweight, you are overweight. It's a technicality. She always fought in the higher category and had to cut down on her weight. In such scenarios, there is always a chance of missing the 50 kg mark. There is no relaxation for excess weight," Sumariwalla told India Today.
Phogat fails to meet weight requirements
According to the Athletics Federation of India president, Vinesh Phogat, the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final, only just managed to meet the 50kg weight requirement at the weigh-in on Tuesday morning.
"After a weigh-in is over, you are allowed to eat and drink. It must be remembered that she had three strong back-to-back bouts, including one over defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki. She had to eat between her bouts to get her energy and strength back," he said.
Phogat's Impressive Run Cut Short
Vinesh Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic wrestling final. She showcased her talent by defeating the formidable Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, a four-time world champion, in the first round, followed by a victory over Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semi-finals.
Unfortunately, a dramatic turn of events unfolded overnight. Phogat was found to be overweight, and despite the medical team's tireless efforts to reduce her weight below the 50kg limit, they were unsuccessful.
"Phogat and her trainers, including the doctors, stayed up all night to reduce her weight. They put her in a sauna and made her run. In the morning during her weigh-in, she was found to be overweight by a few grams. After that, a 15-minute window is given. The doctors also got her to cut her hair to reduce weight," he further added.
Sumariwalla Clarifies Grace Period Policy
Responding to allegations by boxer Vijender Singh regarding the lack of a grace period for Vinesh Phogat, AFI president Adille Sumariwalla clarified that such allowances are typically reserved for athletes with injuries.
"If anyone gets injured in the previous bout, then only grace period is allowed. Phogat did not suffer any injury and there was no option of faking an injury. India will never do that," he said.
According to the competition rules, any wrestler exceeding the weight limit at weigh-in is automatically placed at the bottom of the final rankings. As a result of this unfortunate situation, Vinesh Phogat, despite her exceptional performances in the lead-up to the final, will return from the Olympics without a medal.
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Conspiracy Theories Surround Phogat's Disqualification
The unexpected disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Olympic wrestling final sparked a wave of speculation and controversy on social media. Many users were quick to draw connections between her disqualification and her high-profile involvement in protests against Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, the former Wrestling Federation of India president accused of sexual harassment.
Phogat was a prominent figure in the demonstrations held in Delhi last year, demanding the resignation of Brij Bhushan. These protests brought significant attention to the allegations against the wrestling chief.
"I am reading that there is some conspiracy theory... there are different rules in different sports and to create any sort of political issue out of this is wrong," the athletics body chief stated.
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