PT Usha: Criticism of IOA Medical Team Over Weigh-In Unacceptable

Drawing criticism for Vinesh Phogat's weigh-in incident, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha clarified on Sunday that managing weight is the athlete's responsibility. She condemned the attacks on the medical team, especially Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, calling them unacceptable.

The 29-year-old Vinesh was devastated after being disqualified from her gold-medal bout in freestyle 50kg for being 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in. This incident crushed her Olympic dreams and led her to announce her retirement. The situation sparked a blame game and uproar in Parliament, with some accusing Dr. Pardiwala and his team of negligence. Former IOA chief Narendra Batra suggested that Vinesh's diet might have contributed to her disqualification.

Responsibility of Weight Management

Usha emphasised that in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo, it is the athlete and their coach's duty to manage weight, not the IOA-appointed medical team's. "The responsibility of weight management of athletes in sport like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing and judo is that of each athlete and his or her coach and NOT that of the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team," Usha stated.

Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. However, her post-participation weight increased, and despite measures like cutting off her hair, she was still 100 grams over during the morning weigh-in.

Support Teams for Athletes

Each Indian athlete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in such sports had their own support team. These teams have been working with athletes for many years, Usha noted. The IOA appointed a medical team a few months ago to assist with recovery and injury management during and after competitions. This team also supported athletes without their own nutritionists and physiotherapists.

Vinesh has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), seeking a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. Lopez had lost to Vinesh but was promoted to the final following Vinesh's disqualification. American Sarah Hildebrandt won the gold after defeating Lopez in the title clash.

Usha hoped that those quick to judge the IOA medical team would consider all facts before forming conclusions. "The hate directed at the IOA medical team, especially Dr. Pardiwala, is unacceptable and worthy of condemnation," she said.

The decision on Vinesh's appeal is expected on August 13.