Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50 kg women's wrestling event on Wednesday, which came as a huge shock to Indian sports enthusiasts. Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States was scheduled to face Phogat for the gold medal.
A statement from the Indian Olympic team stated that Phogat was disqualified for weighing more than 50 kg. Tuesday night, Phogat defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba 5-0 in the semifinals to guarantee her spot in the gold medal match.
Here is all you need to know about the rules of wrestling, including weight, point systems, and other specifics, in case you're still unclear about what transpired with Vinesh Phogat and the reason she was disqualified.
United World Wrestling (UWW) Chief Nenad Lalovic expressed concern at India's Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024.
Rules are rules says Nenad Lalovic - the head of United World Wrestling whose rules govern #Wrestling
— Sportstar (@sportstarweb) August 7, 2024
He rules out reviewing the rules after #Paris2024, if anything, he insists the rules will only be adhered to more strictly.
"We want athletes to compete in their natural… pic.twitter.com/nRe3EvFYfK
'We need to follow the rules. I'm sorry for what happened to her. She was extremely overweight for her size. However, the regulations remain the same, and everything is public. All the athletes are there, and it's difficult to allow someone participate who doesn't make the weight,' Nenad Lalovic explained.
Wrestling at the Paris 2024 Olympics features two styles: freestyle and Greco-Roman. While both share common goals of pinning opponents and scoring points through various holds and throws, they differ significantly in terms of permissible techniques.
Freestyle wrestling allows athletes to use both their upper and lower bodies to execute moves, enabling a broader range of techniques and strategies. Competitors can hold opponents above or below the waist, utilizing their legs for both offensive and defensive manoeuvres.
In contrast, Greco-Roman wrestling prohibits the use of legs for attack or defence. Wrestlers rely solely on their upper bodies, emphasizing throws and upper-body strength. This style demands a unique set of skills, focusing on power and precision.
Understanding the scoring system is essential to appreciating the complexity and strategy involved in Olympic wrestling. Both freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling have specific rules for awarding points based on the execution of techniques and control over the opponent.
To ensure fairness and athlete safety, UWW has established several additional rules and guidelines for Olympic wrestling.
Matches are structured into two periods of three minutes each, with a 30-second break in between. This format tests the endurance, strategy, and skill of the wrestlers over a compact and intense duration.
UWW enforces strict anti-doping regulations to maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure athlete health. Safety protocols are also in place to protect competitors during matches, including guidelines for medical staff and emergency procedures.
Specific guidelines for uniforms and wrestling mats ensure consistency and safety across all competitions. Wrestlers must wear approved singlets and shoes, and the mats must meet UWW standards for size, padding, and surface quality.
Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in Olympic history, having been part of the Games since their modern inception in 1896. Over the years, the rules and regulations have evolved to enhance the sport's fairness, safety, and excitement. The changes for the 2024 Olympics reflect this ongoing evolution, aimed at providing a level playing field while showcasing the athletes' skills and dedication.
Wrestling's inclusion in the Olympics has always been significant, symbolizing the ancient Greek ideal of physical prowess and competition. The sport has seen numerous legendary matchups and memorable moments, contributing to its storied legacy.
In recent Olympics, there have been several updates to the rules to make the sport more engaging for audiences and fairer for competitors. These changes include adjustments to weight categories, scoring systems, and match formats.
Also Read: EXPLAINED: Why Vinesh Phogat disqualified from Paris Olympics?
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