UWW Chief Stands by Weigh-In Rule Following Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification

The president of United World Wrestling (UWW), Nenad Lalovic, informed PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), that the weigh-in rule leading to Vinesh Phogat's disqualification cannot be changed retrospectively. He expressed sympathy for Vinesh's situation.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women's freestyle 50 kg final after being found overweight by 100 grams during the mandatory weigh-in on the second day. This disqualification prevented her from competing in the gold medal match.

UWW's Stance on Weigh-In Rules

Lalovic explained that the weigh-in rules are designed to benefit athletes' long-term health. These rules discourage wrestlers from competing in lower weight categories using unhealthy weight loss methods. The UWW maintains these rules across all competitions, including the Olympic Games.

The IOA suggested that results from the day an athlete meets weigh-in requirements should not be disqualified. While Lalovic showed sympathy and agreed to discuss this suggestion at an appropriate platform, he clarified that it could not be applied retrospectively.

Appeal and Support

Vinesh has appealed against her disqualification from the Olympic finals to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). During a meeting at the Wrestling House in Paris, Lalovic reiterated that strict weigh-in rules are essential for athletes' health and must be adhered to.

Usha, a former athlete herself, thanked Lalovic for considering the Wrestling Federation of India's appeal and listening patiently. She acknowledged the importance of rules to protect athletes from health risks and stressed the need for all athletes to uphold Olympic values and fair play.

Future Prospects

The UWW expressed hope for Vinesh's speedy recovery and wished her continued success in future competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The organisation emphasised that its decision to disqualify Vinesh was consistent with international wrestling rules.

In conclusion, while Vinesh's disqualification stands, there is a possibility of future discussions on weigh-in rule modifications. The focus remains on maintaining athletes' health and ensuring fair competition.