The Vinesh Phogat Case: A Wake-Up Call for Wrestling
Wrestling is a sport that requires athletes to compete in specific weight classes. To make weight, wrestlers often resort to extreme measures such as dehydration, fasting, and even starvation. The recent case of Vinesh Phogat, an Indian wrestler who was disqualified from the Asian Games for being overweight, has brought this issue to the forefront.
Phogat, a Commonwealth Games gold medalist, was expected to win a medal at the Asian Games. However, she was disqualified from the competition after failing to make weight. The reason for her failure was not due to lack of effort, but rather the extreme measures she had taken to lose weight.
Phogat had been consuming only liquids for several days leading up to the competition and had even resorted to spitting in order to lose weight. Her case has sparked a debate about the ethics of such practices and the need for reform in the sport.
The Ethics of Extreme Weight Loss
The use of extreme measures to make weight in wrestling is not a new phenomenon. Athletes have been known to resort to dangerous practices such as dehydration, fasting, and even the use of diuretics to lose weight quickly. These practices not only put the athlete’s health at risk but also give them an unfair advantage over their opponents.
Wrestling is a sport that requires strength, skill, and endurance. Athletes who are forced to compete at a weight that is not natural for them are at a disadvantage. They may be weaker, slower, and less agile than their opponents, which can affect their performance and ultimately their chances of winning.
Furthermore, the use of extreme weight loss measures can have long-term health consequences. Dehydration can lead to kidney damage, while fasting and starvation can cause malnutrition and weaken the immune system. These health risks are not worth the short-term benefits of making weight.
The Need for Reform
The case of Vinesh Phogat has brought the issue of extreme weight loss in wrestling to the forefront. It has sparked a debate about the ethics of such practices and the need for reform in the sport.
One solution to this problem is to change the way weight classes are determined. Currently, weight classes are determined by the International Wrestling Federation (FILA) based on the average weight of athletes in each class. This system does not take into account the natural weight of individual athletes, which can vary greatly.
A better solution would be to use a system that takes into account an athlete’s natural weight and body composition. This would ensure that athletes are competing at a weight that is healthy and natural for them, rather than one that is artificially imposed.
The Verdict on Vinesh Phogat
The verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s case is expected on August 16th. While it remains to be seen what the outcome will be, her case has already had a significant impact on the sport of wrestling.
Phogat’s case has brought attention to the issue of extreme weight loss in wrestling and has sparked a debate about the need for reform. It has also highlighted the importance of athlete safety and the need to ensure that athletes are competing at a weight that is healthy and natural for them.
Regardless of the outcome of her case, Vinesh Phogat has already made a significant contribution to the sport of wrestling. Her case has brought attention to an important issue and has the potential to be a catalyst for change.
