'Hair Cut, Clothes Shortened': Vinesh Phogat's Nutritionist Explains What Was Done To Cut Down Wrestler's Weight

Releasing a detailed statement on the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P T Usha said that every assistance is being provided to the Indian wrestler.

"The Wrestling Federation of India has appealed to United World Wrestling to consider the decision. IOA is following it up in the strongest possible manner," she said adding that the complete team helped her to meet weight requirements.

Phogat's nutritionist Dinshaw Pardiwala explained that she participated in the weight category less than her natural weight because this gives an advantage of strength to wrestlers.

He elaborated, "Vinesh needs 1.5 kilogram of food every day for enough energy for the bouts. Sometimes, rebound weight gain happens. After three bouts, some amount of water was needed to be given to Vinesh."

"We found that the post-participation weight of Vinesh increased more than normal. The coach initiated the normal process of weight cut that has worked with Vinesh for a long period of time," Pardiwala added.

"Over the night, we went ahead with the weight-cut procedure. However, in the morning we found that her weight was 100 grams over her 50-kg weight category and hence, she was disqualified," he said.

The nutritionist stated that "drastic measures" like cutting off her hair and shortening of her clothes was also employed and after disqualification, she was given intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration.

He assured that Phogat is doing physically and mentally well but is disappointed emotionally because this was her third Olympics. Meanwhile, the IOA is also focusing on keeping the morale of the Indian contingent high.