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Tag: Paris Olympics 2024 Wrestling

  • Explained: How Do Wrestlers Cut Weight Before Major Competitions? , Other

    In the high-stakes world of Olympic wrestling, weight management is a critical factor that can make or break an athlete’s performance. Wrestlers often undergo intense weight-cutting routines before major competitions, a practice that involves extreme measures to shed pounds and fit into their designated weight class. This article delves into the grueling process of weight cutting, highlighting the physical and psychological toll it takes on athletes.

    Also Read: Neeraj Chopra Live Streaming Javelin Throw Final: When And Where To Watch Indian Star At Paris Olympics 2024?

    The Weight Cutting Ritual

    Weight cutting is an entrenched practice in sports with weight divisions, particularly in wrestling. As athletes strive to qualify for a lower weight category, they undergo a rigorous process of shedding up to 10% of their body mass in the weeks leading up to the event. The final 24 hours before the weigh-in are the most harrowing, involving severe dehydration and calorie restriction to achieve the desired weight.

    For instance, Indian wrestler Anshu Malik, who competed in the Asian Wrestling Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, recalls the challenge of managing weight during her friend’s birthday. Despite the festive atmosphere, Malik and her teammates refrained from indulging in even a slice of cake. “Sonam’s birthday was in the middle of the tournament, and no one was going to eat anything because everyone was cutting weight,” Malik explains. This stark example underscores the sacrifices wrestlers make to stay within their weight limits.

    The Science Behind the Cut

    The weight-cutting process begins weeks in advance. Dr. Munesh Kumar, a physiotherapist working with Olympic wrestlers, explains that athletes start by adjusting their diet and training regimen. “Instead of consuming carbohydrates like roti, wrestlers switch to salads and increase their training intensity,” Dr. Kumar says. This gradual approach helps wrestlers lose weight safely and steadily. By the day before the competition, athletes often weigh about 1 to 1.5 kilograms above their target weight.

    In the final stretch, the process becomes more extreme. Wrestlers often use heavy clothing to induce sweating and further reduce their weight. “The real challenge doesn’t begin on the day of the competition but a day before,” says Ravi Dahiya, a competitor in the 57kg division. Dehydration becomes a crucial part of the process, with water intake almost entirely stopped to achieve the final weight cut.

    The Physical and Mental Strain

    The physical strain of weight cutting is immense. Dehydration can lead to erratic motor and cognitive functions, making the final hours before weigh-in particularly grueling. “When you are dehydrated, you experience delayed reactions and increased susceptibility to injuries,” Dr. Kumar warns. Wrestlers like Anshu Malik and Seema Bisla report severe discomfort, with symptoms ranging from irritability to sleep deprivation.

    Malik recalls the intense discomfort of watching others eat while she was deprived of food and water. “There’s food and water in front of you and you can’t touch it. It’s a different feeling. Only a wrestler can understand how they get through that day,” Malik reflects.

    Recovery and the Risk of Overdoing It

    Once the weigh-in is complete, wrestlers face the challenge of rapid recovery. They must rehydrate and replenish their energy stores before their bout. However, rehydrating too quickly can lead to vomiting and other complications. Dr. Kumar highlights the importance of a balanced recovery, stating, “If you drink too much too fast, the body won’t accept it.”

    Despite the best efforts, not all recoveries go smoothly. Vinesh Phogat, another prominent wrestler, has faced difficulties in recovering from weight cuts, affecting her performance in subsequent bouts. “Over the course of the day, I’ll slowly get enough water inside me. But for the first couple of bouts, it will be difficult,” Phogat admits.

    Long-Term Consequences and Alternatives

    The long-term health consequences of extreme weight cutting are concerning. Prolonged dehydration and rapid weight loss can lead to kidney issues and other health problems. A study published in Medicia indicates that rapid water loss can cause acute kidney damage and other severe conditions. Wrestlers like Vikas Krishan Yadav, who experienced severe health issues from weight cutting, have moved to higher weight classes to avoid the risks.

  • Vinesh Phogat Hospitalized Due To Dehydration After Heartbreaking Olympic Disqualification | Other

    Paris Olympics 2024: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey took a dramatic turn on Wednesday, August 7, when she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg final at the Paris Olympics. The disqualification came as a shock to fans and sports enthusiasts, especially given Phogat’s impressive performance throughout the tournament.

    Phogat was poised for a historic moment as she prepared to compete for the gold medal. However, her aspirations were abruptly halted when she was found to be 150 grams overweight during the weigh-in on the second day of the competition. The weigh-in, which was a crucial part of the qualification process, proved to be a major setback for the wrestler.

    Sources close to the situation revealed that Phogat, who was under immense pressure and excitement leading up to the final, experienced dehydration, which led to her fainting. This health issue necessitated immediate medical attention, and she was promptly hospitalized in Paris.

    The disqualification was particularly disappointing for Phogat, who had already made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Her performance had generated significant hope for India, as she was expected to become the third individual Indian athlete to secure an Olympic gold medal.

    The weigh-in, a standard procedure for ensuring athletes meet weight class requirements, proved to be a hurdle for Phogat. Despite her rigorous training and preparation, the slight excess in weight disqualified her from competing in the final match. This unexpected turn of events has left many disheartened, as Phogat was seen as a strong contender for the gold medal.

    In the aftermath of the disqualification, the focus has shifted to Phogat’s recovery. Her hospitalization due to dehydration highlights the physical and emotional toll that Olympic-level competition can exert on athletes. The incident serves as a reminder of the intense pressures and challenges faced by athletes at such prestigious events.

    The Weight Controversy: What Happened?

    The drama unfolded on the morning of August 7, 2024, when Vinesh Phogat, who had battled through intense bouts to reach the final, was found to be 100 grams over the prescribed weight limit. Despite her best efforts to make weight—including fasting, intense physical workouts, and skipping sleep—the scales tipped against her.

    The Indian Olympic Association confirmed the disqualification with a somber statement: “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 through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made by the contingent at this time. The Indian team requests you respect Vinesh’s privacy. It would like to focus on the competitions at hand.”

    As Phogat recovers, the Indian wrestling community and fans await further updates on her condition. The disqualification not only affects her personal journey but also has broader implications for Indian wrestling, which had high hopes for a gold medal. Despite this setback, Phogat’s resilience and past achievements continue to inspire and motivate aspiring wrestlers across the country.