Image Source: indianexpress.com
The Americans have proposed sweeping rule changes, the Greeks have pleaded to keep the weigh-in to just one day, the Nigerians suggest a 2-kg exemption, and the Turks feel sorry for Vinesh Phogat.
On Tuesday, the Indian wrestler shocked the world by defeating Japan’s Yui Susaki in the 50 kg category at the Paris Olympics. The next morning, however, she faced disqualification due to not making weight for Wednesday’s final. The weigh-in rules became the day’s major talking point.
Olympic champions and legendary coaches empathized with Phogat, who missed her chance for a medal, and urged the United World Wrestling (UWW) to consider rule changes that are less taxing on wrestlers physically and mentally.
Speaking at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Nigerian women’s coach Purity Akuh expressed his dismay, saying, “For Vinesh, I really feel for her. She has broken a record here and she deserves to be on the podium.” On social media, former Olympic gold medalist Jordan Burroughs added, “Give Vinesh the Silver medal.”
Phogat had made weight on the first day but failed on the second, leading to disqualification. Wrestlers and coaches argue that strict two-day weigh-ins should be reconsidered. Greece coach Evangelia Nikolaou described the toll on athletes, especially women, stating, “No food, no drink, very hard training. For me, one weight control is okay. Two-day control for women is a big problem.”
This rule, introduced in 2017, aimed to prevent drastic weight cuts by spreading competitions over two days. UWW president Nenad Lalovic insisted they won’t revise the rules based on a single incident. He emphasized that the regulations ensure wrestlers compete in their natural weight categories, which is healthier long-term.
However, many believe that requiring athletes to cut weight twice is a health hazard. “You need a two-kilo exemption for the next day. If that will be put into consideration, it would be okay,” said Purity, coach of Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Blessing Oborududu. American coach Kenny Monday echoed this, advocating for a second-day weight allowance.
Burroughs proposed on X that after a semifinal victory, both finalists’ medals should be secured even if weight is missed on Day 2, with gold only for those who make weight. Lalovic dismissed these suggestions, reiterating that rules are rules.
Despite widespread sympathy and calls for change, Phogat’s disqualification stands, highlighting the harsh realities of weigh-in rules in wrestling.
