
Indiawrestler Vinesh Phogat has been discharged from the hospital after recuperating from dehydration for trying to lose weight ahead of the 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics 2024.
Phogat, however, was unfortunate to be disqualified from the gold medal bout after being found 100 grams overweight at the official weigh-in on the morning of the final on Wednesday (Aug 7).
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The entire Indian sports fraternity was in disbelief as soon as the news broke Wednesday but Phogat, while speaking to coaches, called it 'part of the game,' reported news agency PTI.
"It sent a shockwave through the wrestling contingent. The girls were feeling pretty low after the news broke. We met Vinesh and tried to console her. She was brave. She told us, 'it's hard luck that we missed the medal, but it is part of the game'," said Virender Dahiya, India women wrestling national coach, reported PTI.
Indian Olympic contingent's chief physician Dinshaw Pardiwala informed earlier this evening that the support staff did all they could to bring the weight down but unfortunately failed.
Among the various steps taken by Vinesh were fivehourscycling, sauna, not eating anything, cutting hair and others.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) chief PT Usha also informed earlier in the day that a 'strong protest' has been lodged with the United World Wrestling (UWW).
"I am aware of the relentless effort made by Vinesh's medical team led by doctor Dinshaw Pardiwala and the Chief de Mission Gagan Narang through the night to ensure that she could meet the competition," said Usha.
Indian Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also reacted to the news and said: "Today her weight was found 50 kg 100 grams and she was disqualified. The Indian Olympic Association has lodged a strong protest with the United World Wrestling (UWW). IOA President PT Usha is in Paris, the Prime Minister spoke to her and asked her to take necessary action... The government provided every facility to her including personal staff."