What The Rules Say About Olympic Weigh-Ins? Can Vinesh Phogat Still Hope For A Medal?

The Indian delegation regretfully announces Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the 50 kg women’s wrestling division. Despite the team’s diligent efforts throughout the night, she weighed slightly over 50 kg this morning. The contingent will not be making any further statements at this time and kindly requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy. They also wish to draw attention to the ongoing competitions held by the Indian Olympic Association.

In a statement, the Indian Olympic Association said, “It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s 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 Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand.”

Weigh-In Process

The weigh-in process for Olympic wrestling is stringent, ensuring fair competition. Wrestlers must weigh in the morning of their competition day, with the event spanning two days for each weight class. Athletes must meet the weight requirement on both days.

During the initial weigh-in, they have 30 minutes to make weight, with multiple attempts allowed within this period. Wrestlers weigh in wearing only their singlets and undergo a medical examination to ensure they are free from contagious diseases and have properly trimmed fingernails. On the second day of competition, the weigh-in period is shortened to 15 minutes.

Weigh-In Protocols

The referees overseeing the weigh-in must:

1. Verify that all wrestlers match the weight category in which they are registered for the competition.
2. Ensure wrestlers meet all requirements outlined in Article 5.
3. Inform wrestlers of any risks if they present themselves on the mat in incorrect attire. Referees will not weigh wrestlers who are not properly dressed.

Additionally, the referees:

1. Receive the results of the draw and are only permitted to weigh the athletes listed.
2. Must eliminate and rank last any athlete who fails to attend or does not meet the weigh-in requirements (either the 1st or the 2nd weigh-in).
3. Note that an athlete injured on the first day is not required to attend the second weigh-in and will retain their results.

Unfortunately, due to the weigh-in mishap, Vinesh Phogat’s chances of winning a medal at the Paris Olympics have been dashed. Despite the team’s best efforts, Vinesh missed the weight requirement, leading to her disqualification. This is a significant setback for the Indian wrestling contingent and a heartbreaking moment for Vinesh, who had been a strong medal hopeful for the nation.