Vinesh Phogat Disqualification: Sakshi Malik Voiced Concerns Over Weight Cut Worries Before News Broke

Add as a preferred source on Google

Last night, renowned Indian wrestler Sakshi Malik expressed her concerns regarding Vinesh Phogat's weight cut ahead of her gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics.

In a candid interview on JioCinema, Malik, a close friend of Phogat, shared the challenges Phogat would face in making weight for the crucial weigh-in the following day. This statement came well before the disheartening news of Phogat's disqualification due to not meeting the weight requirements.

"Before the gold medal tomorrow, this night is going to be crucial for Vinesh because she will have to lose weight for the weigh-in tomorrow, and it's not an easy thing for any wrestler," Malik stated. "She will have to work tonight for it, and it's never easy for any wrestler. I hope this night goes easy on her."

Malik's remarks highlighted the immense pressure wrestlers face in maintaining their weight categories, a struggle Phogat unfortunately couldn't overcome. The news of Phogat being 150 grams over the permissible limit broke hearts nationwide, especially given her historic run to the finals, where she defeated the world number one and other top contenders.

Sakshi Malik and Vinesh Phogat, along with fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, have been pivotal in advocating for reforms in Indian wrestling. Their efforts reached a significant milestone last year when they led a major protest against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), accusing the then-president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment.

This movement not only brought attention to the critical issues within the sport's administration but also resulted in the removal of Singh from his position. Their activism has been instrumental in initiating changes aimed at improving the governance and safety standards in Indian wrestling.

Sakshi Malik's concerns, voiced out of genuine care for her friend's well-being, underscored the physical and mental toll that such weight cuts impose on athletes. Her fears were validated with the subsequent disqualification, marking a sombre moment in what had been a momentous Olympic journey for Vinesh Phogat.

As the Indian contingent and fans worldwide grapple with this disappointing news, the focus remains on supporting Phogat and recognizing her incredible efforts and resilience. The official statement from the Indian Olympic Association expressed deep regret and highlighted the challenges faced by Phogat in her weight management efforts.