Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024?

In a surprising development, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics for not meeting the weight requirement for her 50 kg gold medal match. Reports indicate Phogat was 100 grams over the allowed weight limit, leading to her disqualification. Consequently, she will not be eligible for a silver medal, leaving only the gold and bronze medals available in the 50 kg category.

"It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50 kg class. Despite the team's efforts through the night, she was a few grams over 50 kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests respect for Vinesh’s privacy and will focus on the ongoing competitions," stated the Indian Olympic Association.

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from wrestling after Paris Olympics disqualification

Why Vinesh Phogat was disqualified?

According to the Indian Express, Vinesh Phogat initially met the weight limit for Tuesday’s bouts but was required to remain within her category on both days of the competition. She was reportedly 2 kilos overweight on Tuesday night. Despite intensive efforts, including jogging, skipping, and cycling through the night, she could not lose the final 100 grams.


The Indian delegation requested additional time for Phogat to meet the weight criteria, but their request was denied. This challenge is familiar for Phogat, who usually competes in the 53 kg category and faced a similar issue during the Olympic qualifiers.

Vinesh Phogat: Cruel series of events

On Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. She achieved notable victories against world number 1 Yui Susaki of Japan and wrestlers from Ukraine and Cuba. She was set to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt in the final, a wrestler she had previously defeated. However, due to the weight issue, Hildebrandt will receive the gold medal, and Phogat will leave the competition without a medal.

This was not the first time when she received a setback. In a cruel series of events, she got injured at the Rio Olympics in 2016, eliminated at the Tokyo Olympics quarter finals in 2020 and was disqualified at the Paris Olympics.