The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president, PT Usha, defends the IOA medical team over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. She said that the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian contingent, Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, should not be held responsible for the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the women’s 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics. 

The IOA, in a statement yesterday, emphasised that the responsibility of weight management in combat sports like wrestling, boxing, and judo lies with each athlete and their personal coaching team. The IOA clarified that Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala’s primary role was to assist in the recovery and injury management of athletes during and after their competitions.

Earlier, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified right before the finals after exceeding the weight limit of her 50 kg wrestling category. Later, she appealed against her Olympic disqualification with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and demanded a joint silver medal in the 50 kg weight category. The final verdict is likely to be announced tomorrow.