PT Usha, the President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), has said that the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat in the 50 kg women’s wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 was not the fault of Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chief Medical Officer appointed by the IOA. Instead, she emphasized that the responsibility for weight management lies with the athlete’s coaches and support staff.
Vinesh Phogat lost the chance to fight for a gold medal because she was disqualified for exceeding the 50 kg weight limit before the final match.
PT Usha explained that in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo, it is the athlete and their coaching team’s responsibility to manage weight. The IOA’s medical team, led by Dr. Pardiwala, was appointed a few months before the Olympics to assist athletes with recovery and injury management during and after competitions. This team was also meant to support athletes who did not have their own nutritionists and physiotherapists.
She condemned the criticism directed at Dr. Pardiwala and his team, calling it unacceptable. Usha also urged everyone to consider all the facts before making any judgments about the IOA’s medical team.
Vinesh Phogat has appealed against her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and is seeking a joint silver medal in the 50 kg category. A decision on her appeal is expected on August 13.