At the National Institute of Sport in Patiala, a palpable tension filled the air. On March 12, celebrated Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat made a daring decision that created a buzz in the wrestling world. Phogat chose to weigh in for both the 50 kg and 53 kg categories due to uncertainty regarding her Olympic qualification.
The lack of clear guidelines in wrestling regulations put Phogat in a difficult position. To ensure her spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, she took a strategic risk. Her bold approach paid off somewhat — she won the 50 kg trials and finished in the top four in the 53 kg trials. However, despite her efforts, her Olympic aspirations were ultimately thwarted.
Paris: A Journey of Challenges and Triumphs
Vinesh Phogat is well-acquainted with the demands of Olympic competition. She made her debut in the 48 kg category at the 2016 Rio Games, showcasing her determination. As her career advanced, managing her weight became increasingly challenging. After clinching the gold medal in the 50 kg category at the Asian Games, Phogat faced the tough choice of moving up to the 53 kg category. Despite this change, she earned a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships, a decision driven by the need to escape the harsh weight-cutting process.
Transitioning to the 53 kg category appeared logical, especially after she began competing in the 55 kg category post-Tokyo Games. Phogat continued to excel, winning a bronze medal at the 2022 World Championships in the 53 kg division. However, her career faced a setback when she led protests against former Wrestling Federation of India chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. These protests, along with a knee ligament injury, put her on the sidelines and cast doubt on her future.
In her absence, rising wrestler Antim Panghal secured a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships, earning India a quota for the Paris Olympics in the 53 kg category. Under the previous WFI rules, the quota holder automatically qualified for the Olympics, placing Phogat in a difficult position. Although the ad-hoc committee, temporarily managing Indian wrestling, promised a trial for the 53 kg category, the return of WFI control and the potential appointment of Sanjay Singh as its new president created increasing uncertainty.
As March 12 neared, Phogat understood that depending on the Wrestling Federation of India’s return to power might not ensure her place in the 53 kg category for the Olympics. With the deadline approaching, she faced a critical decision: either revert to the 50 kg category, where she last competed in 2018, or move up to the 57 kg category. She opted for the 50 kg category, a choice that would challenge her determination and stamina.
The Finale
Phogat’s gamble nearly brought her Olympic dream within reach. Less than five months after her bold weigh-in, she was on the verge of competing for a silver or gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, her dream was shattered by a heartbreaking twist—a difference of just 100 grams.
This situation ignited a debate in the wrestling community, with American wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs calling for immediate rule changes to prevent such distressing outcomes in the future. Burroughs proposed several reforms, including allowing a one-kilogram weight allowance on the second day, moving weigh-ins to a later time, and ensuring that medals are awarded to both finalists even if weight limits are not met on the second day.
In a gesture of support for Phogat, Burroughs also advocated for her to be awarded the silver medal, recognizing the tremendous effort she invested in her Olympic journey.
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