The Controversy Surrounding Vinesh Phogat’s Weight Class in Wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics
Weight classes are an essential aspect of combat sports, ensuring that athletes compete against opponents of similar size and weight. However, the rules put in place by the United World Wrestling (UWW) governing body for the 2024 Paris Olympics have sparked controversy, particularly in the case of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat.
Phogat, a gold medalist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the 2019 Asian Championships, competes in the 53kg weight class. However, the UWW has decided to eliminate this weight class for women at the 2024 Olympics, leaving Phogat with two options: move up to the 57kg weight class or down to the 50kg weight class.
While moving up to the 57kg weight class may seem like a viable option, it would mean competing against opponents who are significantly larger and stronger than Phogat. On the other hand, moving down to the 50kg weight class would require her to lose a significant amount of weight, which could have serious health implications.
The UWW’s decision to eliminate the 53kg weight class has been met with criticism from athletes and coaches alike. Many argue that the decision was made without common sense and disregards the health and safety of the athletes.
Furthermore, the weigh-in rules put in place by the UWW have also been criticized for being illogical and putting certain athletes at a disadvantage. Under the current rules, wrestlers must weigh in two hours before their first match. However, if a wrestler fails to make weight, they are given a two-hour window to lose the necessary weight and weigh in again. This means that a wrestler who fails to make weight has an advantage over their opponent, as they have an additional two hours to rehydrate and recover before their match.
Phogat has spoken out about the challenges she faces in making weight and the unfairness of the weigh-in rules. In an interview with ESPN, she stated, “I have to lose 4-5kg to make the 50kg category. It’s not easy. I have to starve myself, and it’s not good for my health. And then, if I don’t make weight, my opponent gets an advantage. It’s not fair.”
The controversy surrounding Vinesh Phogat’s weight class highlights the importance of implementing rules and regulations that prioritize the health and safety of athletes. While weight classes are necessary in combat sports, they should not be implemented without common sense and consideration for the well-being of the athletes.