Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification Sparks Controversy

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's heart-wrenching disqualification from the Tokyo Olympics due to being overweight has ignited widespread debate about weight management responsibilities in sports. Indian Olympic Association President PT Usha emphasized that weight management is the athlete's responsibility, defending the IOA's medical team from criticism.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dreams were shattered when she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight before her gold-medal bout in the freestyle 50kg category. The disqualification has led to rampant criticism of the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) medical team.

On Sunday, IOA President PT Usha clarified that managing weight is primarily the athlete's and their coach's responsibility, not the IOA-appointed medical team's. Usha labeled the attacks on Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala as 'unacceptable and worthy of condemnation.'

The issue has become a significant talking point, even sparking debates in Parliament. Despite her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports demanding a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, the final decision is awaited. In the meantime, the incident underscores the critical issue of weight management in competitive sports.

(With inputs from agencies.)