New Delhi: In a devastating twist for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, she is likely to be disqualified from the Paris Olympics after failing to make weight on the morning of her 50 kg gold medal bout. Sources indicate that Phogat was approximately 100 grams over the permissible limit, which could lead to her disqualification. Under competition rules, this means Phogat will not be eligible for even a silver medal, leaving the 50 kg category with only gold and bronze winners.Official announcement awaitedAn official announcement is expected later today. Although Phogat made the weight for Tuesdays bouts, regulations require wrestlers to remain within their weight category on both competition days. This unfortunate development has left fans and the Indian contingent heartbroken.Indian Olympic Associations statementIt is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Womens Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vineshs privacy and focus on the competitions at hand, stated the Indian Olympic Association.Challenges with weight categoryThis is not the first time Phogat has struggled to make weight in the 50 kg category, which is lower than her usual 53 kg class. She faced a similar challenge during the Olympic qualifiers, narrowly making the cut.Phogats historic olympic journeyOn Tuesday, Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final. She stunned the world by defeating world number 1 Yui Susaki of Japan and secured two more brilliant victories against competitors from Ukraine and Cuba. She was set to face Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, a wrestler she has a favorable head-to-head record against. However, with Phogats disqualification, the American will be awarded the gold medal, leaving Phogat to return home empty-handed.
