Mary Kom Stresses Weight Management Responsibility, Questions India's Boxing Performance

Mary Kom Stresses Weight Management Responsibility, Questions India’s Boxing Performance

Six-time world champion boxer M C Mary Kom has weighed in on the controversy surrounding wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic heartbreak, emphasizing the importance of weight management as an athlete’s responsibility.

Mary Kom, who is India’s only woman boxer with an Olympic medal, expressed disappointment over Phogat’s disqualification for being 100gm over the prescribed limit. She stressed that weight management is crucial for athletes and that it is their duty to adhere to the regulations.

“I felt so disappointed in the sense that I have also done the same (weight management) for the last so many years. Weight is important, that is my responsibility. I cannot blame anyone,” Mary Kom said.

She added, “I do not want to say this in her case. I am saying this in my case only. If I do not cut the weight properly then how will I play? I am there to win a medal and that is what I think.”

Mary Kom has previously spoken about her own weight cut routines and the challenges involved. She started her career as a pin-weight (46kg) boxer before moving to the flyweight (51kg) division.

Phogat, who was considered a gold medal contender in Paris, went to extreme lengths to lose weight, including skipping meals and fluids, working out overnight, and cutting her hair. However, her efforts proved futile.

She challenged her disqualification, calling the rules inhumane, but her appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Phogat subsequently retired from wrestling and joined politics, contesting the Haryana assembly elections on a Congress ticket.

Mary Kom also expressed concern over India’s poor performance in boxing at the Paris Olympics, where the contingent failed to win a single medal. She said she wants to meet with the national federation and sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya to discuss the issues and understand what went wrong.

“We know what the result was, it was so, so bad. I want to know what is lacking,” Mary Kom said. “I will meet the boxers too if the situation demands. If the sports minister has the knowledge (about the issues) I want to discuss that also.”

Mary Kom reiterated her desire to continue boxing professionally and expressed her hope for opportunities to fight. “I have not retired yet but I want to compete. I am trying to get opportunities, waiting for my chance to fight pro. I just want to come back,” she said.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Medal Hopes Crushed by CAS

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal Hopes Crushed by CAS

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic medal hopes were dashed on Wednesday when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected her plea for a joint silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games. The decision concluded a tumultuous saga that began with Vinesh’s remarkable performance on the first day of the women’s 50kg wrestling competition.

On August 6, Vinesh stunned the wrestling world by defeating reigning Olympic champion Yui Sasaki of Japan. She continued her impressive run by overcoming Ukrainian Oksana Livach and Cuban Yusneylis Guzman to reach the final. However, her dream of becoming the first Indian woman to win an Olympic wrestling medal above bronze was shattered the following day.

Vinesh was disqualified from the gold medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States after failing to meet the weight limit by 100 grams. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community and India, with many expressing disbelief and outrage.

Reports emerged of the extreme measures Vinesh and her coaching staff had taken to ensure she made weight, including drawing blood and cutting her hair. The Wrestling Federation of India filed an appeal with United World Wrestling, while Vinesh appealed to CAS, demanding a joint silver medal.

On August 8, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling. The hearing into her appeal concluded on August 9, with CAS initially postponing the announcement of the verdict to August 13. However, the decision was further delayed to August 16.

Finally, on August 14, CAS dismissed Vinesh’s plea. The international tribunal stated that the full award with reasons would be notified to the parties and published on its website.

Vinesh’s disqualification and subsequent retirement have sparked a debate about the weight management practices in wrestling and the need for athlete welfare. The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by female athletes in balancing their weight with their performance.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Dream Crushed by 100 Grams

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Dream Crushed by 100 Grams

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic dream was shattered by a mere 100 grams. The Indian wrestler, who had made history by reaching the final of the 50kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024, was declared overweight the next morning.

Phogat had weighed in under the weight limit of 50kg before the start of her matches. However, by the end of the first day of competition, she had gained 2.7kg, weighing in at 52.7kg.

This weight gain was not due to any miscalculation or negligence on Phogat’s part. Rather, it was the result of a Herculean effort to make weight.

Phogat had participated in 53kg events as recently as the 2022 World Championships. Her normal weight is reported to be near 57kg. Therefore, going down to 50kg was a significant challenge.

To make weight, Phogat underwent drastic measures. She limited her water intake, avoided food, and trained rigorously. After her weigh-in on the first morning, she consumed a glass of juice and several liters of fluid to stay hydrated for her bouts.

Phogat also took light snacks throughout the day to replenish her energy. This added up to an estimated 2.7kg of weight gain.

After weighing in at 52.7kg after her semi-final, Phogat underwent a grueling night. She trained on the treadmill for six hours and was in the sauna for another three, all without food or water. Her coaches also trimmed the elastic at the bottom of her costume and cut off some of her hair to reduce weight.

Despite these efforts, Phogat was still 100 grams overweight the next morning. This denied her the opportunity to compete for an Olympic medal.

Phogat’s story is a testament to the sacrifices that athletes make to compete at the highest level. It is also a reminder that even the smallest of margins can make a big difference in the outcome of a competition.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Fate to be Decided by CAS on Tuesday

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Fate to be Decided by CAS on Tuesday

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic fate hangs in the balance as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) prepares to issue a verdict on her disqualification from the Paris Games. The Indian wrestler was disqualified after failing to make weight for her 50kg final bout, and she has appealed for a shared silver medal.

The CAS hearing took place on Friday, and the sole arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett, was expected to issue a decision by the end of the Games. However, she has sought more time, and the verdict is now expected on Tuesday. The reasoned order will be issued at a later date.

Vinesh has taken the United World Wrestling (UWW) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) to court, arguing that the results of her first three bouts should not have been wiped out. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is also part of the case as an interested party.

In a statement issued on Sunday, IOA president PT Usha defended Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the IOA’s Chief Medical Officer, who has been criticized for his role in the events leading up to Vinesh’s disqualification. Usha clarified that the responsibility for weight management lies with the athletes and their coaches, not the IOA or Dr. Pardiwala.

Vinesh’s team has argued that she was delayed in the weight cut process due to the distance between the wrestling venue and the Athletes’ Village. They have also pointed out that the amount of weight she needed to lose was negligible.

The IOC and UWW have argued that if the line is pushed for 100 grams, it could lead to a slippery slope. However, some coaches have expressed concern about women having to shed weight twice in such events and have called for relaxation in the rules.

The CAS verdict will have a significant impact on Vinesh’s career. If she is reinstated, she will have a chance to win an Olympic medal. However, if her disqualification is upheld, it will be a major setback for the Indian wrestler.

IOA Clarifies Weight Management Responsibility for Athletes in Paris Olympics

IOA Clarifies Weight Management Responsibility for Athletes in Paris Olympics

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has clarified that the responsibility for weight management of athletes in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo lies with the individual athletes and their coaches, not with the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team.

IOA President Dr. PT Usha emphasized that each Indian athlete participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in these sports has their own support team that has been working with them for years. These teams include nutritionists and physiotherapists who are responsible for monitoring and managing the athletes’ weight.

The IOA appointed a medical team a few months ago primarily to assist in the recovery and injury management of athletes during and after competitions. This team was also intended to support athletes who did not have their own team of medical professionals.

Dr. Usha condemned the hate directed at the IOA medical team, particularly Dr. Pardiwala, and urged those criticizing the team to consider all the facts before making judgments.

This clarification comes after Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit. Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to award her the silver medal.

CAS has extended the deadline for delivering its verdict on Phogat’s appeal to Tuesday, August 13. The ad hoc division of CAS has granted the sole arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett, additional time to consider the case.

Reacting to the extension, Vinesh Phogat’s uncle, Mahavir Phogat, expressed his patience and willingness to accept the decision whenever it is announced.

Following her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. She had achieved significant success in her career, including two World Championships bronze medals, an Asian Games gold medal, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Journey: Weight Management and Missed Opportunities

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Journey: Weight Management and Missed Opportunities

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Journey: A Tale of Weight Management and Missed Opportunities

As the Paris Olympic Games approached, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced a significant challenge: competing in the 50kg category instead of her preferred 53kg weight class. This decision stemmed from the fact that Antim Panghal had secured the lone 53kg spot for India at the 2023 World Championships.

Phogat had been wrestling in the 53kg category for several years and had even undergone ACL surgery in August 2022, which sidelined her for a few months. During this time, Panghal seized the opportunity to claim the Olympic quota for India in the 53kg weight class.

Despite her desire to compete in the 53kg category, Phogat’s request for a trial was not granted by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The federation conducted trials for the Asian Championships and Asian Olympic Qualifiers in March, but the final trials were not held due to concerns from quota-winning wrestlers that it would disrupt their Olympic preparations.

In the trials, Phogat participated in both the 50kg and 53kg categories. She won the trials in the 50kg category, earning the right to compete at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek. She also achieved her target of reaching the top four in the 53kg category, which would have allowed her to challenge Panghal for the Olympic spot.

However, the final trials were not held, and the WFI selection committee decided to send the respective quota-winners to their categories. This meant that Phogat was unable to challenge Panghal for the 53kg spot and had to settle for competing in the 50kg category.

The decision to compete in the 50kg category was a significant challenge for Phogat, who had to manage her weight carefully to meet the lower weight limit. It remains a question of speculation whether Phogat would have been able to secure a medal in the 53kg category, where she had more experience and comfort.

Weight Management in Wrestling: A Delicate Balance Between Energy and Weight

Weight Management in Wrestling: A Delicate Balance Between Energy and Weight

Weight Management in Wrestling: A Delicate Balance

In the world of wrestling, athletes must navigate a precarious path between maintaining their weight below a specific threshold and preserving the energy necessary for competition. This delicate balance was highlighted in the recent disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Games.

The Weight Cut Process

Prior to weigh-ins, wrestlers undergo a calculated “weight cut” to fit into their preferred weight category. This involves shedding excess weight through a combination of methods, including:

* Hydration Management: Athletes reduce fluid intake to minimize water weight.
* Sauna Use: Spending time in a sauna induces sweating, leading to temporary weight loss.
* Aerobic Activity: Exercise increases sweating and fluid loss.
* Starvation: Limiting food intake can also contribute to weight loss.

Replenishment and Recovery

After weigh-ins, wrestlers replenish fluids and nutrients to prevent dehydration and restore energy levels. However, excessive replenishment can lead to weight gain.

Muscle Mass Preservation

While wrestlers aim to shed fat and fluid, they must also preserve muscle mass, which is crucial for performance. Concurrent strength training can help prevent muscle loss.

Individual Factors

The optimal weight category and weight management strategies vary based on individual factors such as age, body measurements, and training regimen. As athletes age, maintaining a lower weight category becomes more challenging.

Consequences of Excessive Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss can have adverse effects, including:

* Dehydration
* Electrolyte imbalance
* Reduced muscle mass
* Delayed recovery
* Diminished physical performance

Phogat’s Case

In Phogat’s case, a combination of factors contributed to her disqualification. She competed in a weight category below her natural weight, underwent an excessive weight cut, and failed to replenish adequately after weigh-ins.

Conclusion

Weight management in wrestling is a complex and demanding process that requires careful planning and supervision by sports science specialists. Athletes must strike a delicate balance between shedding excess weight and preserving the energy and muscle mass necessary for optimal performance.

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