Explained: What is the weigh in process for Wrestlers? How did Phogat get disqualified?

Phogat had created history and became the first Indian female wrestler to get qualified for the Olympic final. She won three fights in the 50 Kg category before getting disqualified from the competition for being a little over the prescribed weight.

Combat athletes including Wrestlers and Boxers have to go through a weigh-in process before they compete as a step to authenticate their weight category.

Many fans, however, were confused on how Phogat competed and won in three games including the semi-finals if she did not meet the weight requirements.

In 2017, the United World Wrestling (UWW), the international governing body of the sport updated its rules and made the weigh in a two day process for multi-day competitions (those that have qualification rounds, eliminations and finals).

According to the new rules the weigh in on Day 1 happens before the competition, the athletes will have a medical exam and will be given 30 minutes to weigh. And on Day 2 the athletes will have to weigh in before the finals.

The UWW rules allow for a 2 KG weight tolerance for the second day weigh in, however, Olympic rules do not allow it.

Vinesh Phogat weighed under 50 kg on Day 1, however she failed to maintain it on Day 2 despite not eating any meals and even avoiding water.

The officials even cut her hair but that did not work either.

The reason for this is because, Vinesh's general body weight is around 55-56 kgs, she competed in the 53 kg category in the last Olympics. So, it is challenging to maintain the weight given her body type.

However, the athletes go through saunas, extreme workouts and take other measures to cut down weight, especially water weight. But most often than not, the water weight gets retained on the second day.

Vinesh Phogat experienced this and failed to win the gold for the country.

However, Phogat has appealed at the Sports Arbitration Court against her disqualification and sought Silver.