Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification: How Medals Will Be Allocated In 50kg Wrestling?

In a disappointing turn for India at the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling event. She was found to be 100 grams overweight before her gold-medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA on Wednesday.

Photo Credit: PTI

Consequently, Vinesh will finish last in her event and will not be eligible for any medal.

Replacement and Bronze Medal Matches

Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh in the semifinal, will now compete in the gold-medal match. "Vinesh failed the second-day weigh-in. According to article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, Vinesh will be replaced by the wrestler who lost against her in the semifinal. Therefore Yusneylis Guzman Lopez will compete in the final," stated the Paris Games organising committee.

The bronze-medal matches have also been affected by this change. On Vinesh's side of the draw, Yui Susaki from Japan will face Oksana Livach from Ukraine for a bronze medal. The other bronze-medal match, involving competitors from Sarah Hildebrandt's half of the draw, remains unchanged.

Indian Olympic Association's Statement

The Indian Olympic Association confirmed Vinesh's disqualification with a statement: "It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh's privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions on hand."

Vinesh had previously achieved a significant victory by defeating defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the pre-quarterfinals. Susaki had an unbeaten international career record of 82-0 before facing Vinesh. This development has been a major setback for India’s hopes at these games, as Vinesh was one of their strong contenders for a medal.