WATCH: Athletic Federation of India President Adille Sumariwalla reveals Vinesh Phogat's efforts to bring down her weight

In the wake of Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024, the President of the Athletic Federation of India, Adille Sumariwalla, has revealed how they tried to make it possible. Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, faced disqualification after failing to meet the weight requirements.

During the weigh-in process, Vinesh Phogat initially cut 50 kilograms. However, the challenge began after this crucial step. As per the rules, athletes are allowed to eat after the weigh-in, a necessity for Phogat given the intensity of her three bouts. The energy required for such high-level competition demanded that she consume food and water, which unfortunately led to her being overweight by the end of the day.

Sumariwalla detailed the extensive efforts made by Phogat and the Indian medical team to rectify the situation overnight. The team worked tirelessly, employing every possible method to bring her body weight down to the required level.

#WATCH | On Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from #ParisOlympics2024, President of the Athletic Federation of India Adille Sumariwalla says, "It is a very unfortunate incident…Yesterday, there was a weigh-in, she only made the cut of 50 in the weigh-in. The rule… pic.twitter.com/11RORpChNt

— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2024

Their efforts included rigorous physical activities, even to the extent of cutting Vinesh Phogat's hair to reduce weight. Despite these efforts, Phogat was still found overweight during the 15-minute weigh-in window the following morning.

“At the end of the day, she was already overweight by a lot. So they went straight to the doctor and the whole night they worked as hard as they could to bring the body weight down... She was running. They even chopped off her hair to make it less. But this morning, you only get a 15-minute gap and in that gap, you have to make sure that you weigh in”, says Sumariwalla.

Why Vinesh Phogat was hospitalized?

The consequences of these intense efforts took a toll on Phogat’s health, leading to severe dehydration. She was so dehydrated that medical treatment was necessary, and she was attended to at the polyclinic. Sumariwalla assured that she is now recovering, though the disqualification remains a significant setback.

Sumariwalla emphasized the commitment of the Indian team and the Wrestling Federation of India, stating that every possible measure was taken to support Phogat. He revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also intervened, urging that all legal avenues be explored to assist her.

In closing, Sumariwalla urged everyone to refrain from politicizing the incident. He said, “The PM has intervened and said, please, consider all legal options to support Vinesh. So no stone has been left unturned to make sure we support her in every way...It's wrong to make any kind of political issue out of this. For God's sake, keep politics out of this. The Indian team management is doing whatever it has to do. The Wrestling Federation of India is doing whatever it has to do."