Indian Olympic Association chief PT Usha, currently in Paris, has responded to the recent disqualification. The former Indian track and field athlete expressed her shock at the event and confirmed that the IOA has filed an appeal with United World Wrestling (UWW), the global wrestling authority.
“Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic Village Polyclinic a short while ago. I assured her of the full support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the entire country,” PT Usha stated in a video message.
“We cut her hair, shortened her clothes. Did everything possible.”
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) August 7, 2024
On Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, detailed word from IOA President PT Usha & Vinesh’s nutritionist Dinshaw Pardiwala: pic.twitter.com/eDuXu3pkzR
“We are providing Vinesh with all necessary medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation of India has lodged an appeal with UWW regarding the disqualification and is pursuing it vigorously. I recognize the tireless efforts of Vinesh’s medical team throughout the night to help her meet the competition requirements.”
Dr. Dinshaw Paudiwala, the Indian Olympic team’s doctor, also stated while seated next to Usha. He revealed that the team resorted to cutting Vinesh’s hair on Tuesday night to help reduce her weight.
“Vinesh’s nutritionist indicated that her typical intake is 1.5 kg over the day, providing her enough energy for the matches. Sometimes, post-competition, there’s rebound weight gain. Vinesh had three bouts, and to avoid dehydration, some water was necessary. We noticed that her post-participation weight had increased more than usual,” Paudiwala said.
“The coach started the weight-cut process that has always worked with Vinesh. He was confident in its success. We proceeded with the weight-cut procedure.
“However, in the morning, we found that despite all our efforts, her weight was still 100 grams over the 50kg weight category, leading to her disqualification. We tried all possible drastic measures throughout the night, including cutting her hair and shortening her clothes.
“Despite all of this, we couldn’t achieve the 50kg weight category.”
Paudiwala added that Vinesh underwent a series of tests following the disqualification to ensure her vitals were normal.
“Following the disqualification, as a precaution, Vinesh was given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. We conducted blood tests to ensure everything was normal. This process is ongoing at the Olympic Hospital here. All of Vinesh’s parameters during the weight cut were normal.
“Vinesh spoke with IOA president PT Usha. She mentioned that although she feels physically and mentally normal, she is disappointed as this is her third Olympics, and she has been disqualified.”
