Synopsis

Vinesh Phogat Olympics: According to Dr. Paudiwala, the issue began with the athlete’s usual dietary regimen. “Vinesh’s nutritionist had recommended a total intake of 1.5 kg of food throughout the day to ensure adequate energy for the bouts. However, after three intense matches, there was a concern of rebound weight gain following the competition. To prevent dehydration, some water was administered,” Dr. Paudiwala explained.

How Vinesh Phogat’s medical team tried to reduce her weight, PT Usha and Dr Pardiwala explain

In the wake of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg final at the Paris Olympics, Dr. Dinshaw Paudiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent, has shed light on the circumstances leading to the 100-gram excess that led to her disqualification.

According to Dr. Paudiwala, the issue began with the athlete’s usual dietary regimen. “Vinesh’s nutritionist felt that the usual amount she takes is 1.5 kg totally over the day gives enough energy for the bouts. However, after three intense matches, there was a concern of rebound weight gain following the competition. To prevent dehydration, some water was administered,” Dr. Paudiwala explained.

Read more: Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics ahead of gold medal wrestling bout
Dr. Paudiwala elaborated on the efforts made to address the weight issue, “Her post-participation weight at the end of the semi-finals in the evening was found to be 2.7 kg more than the allowed weight. The team and the coach started their usual process, which includes limitation of water and food intake, along with intense sweating methods.”

“We had only 12 hours to reduce her weight, which led us to employ extreme measures like steam, sauna, and exercise. We even had to resort to cutting her hair. If we had a few more hours, we might have managed to shed that 100 grams,” he added.

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from wrestling after Paris Olympics disqualification

Following her disqualification, Vinesh was given intravenous fluids as a precaution to avoid dehydration.

“Once she was disqualified, we administered intravenous fluids to rehydrate her, and she started eating and drinking. She is physically and medically stable, with precautionary blood tests confirming her well-being,” said Dr. Paudiwala.

The disqualification has sparked a wave of reactions. President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) PT Usha expressed her shock and support for Vinesh.

Read more: Why was Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024?

“Vinesh’s disqualification is very shocking. I met Vinesh at the Olympic village polyclinic and assured her of the complete support of the Indian Olympic Association, the Government of India, and the entire country. We are providing Vinesh with all necessary medical and emotional support. The Wrestling Federation of India has appealed to UWW and is following this up in the strongest possible manner,” PT Usha stated.

The Indian Olympic Association also voiced its regret over the incident.

“It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team throughout the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. We request respect for Vinesh’s privacy as we focus on the ongoing competitions,” the Association said.

( Originally published on Aug 07, 2024 )

Read More News on

Read More