Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez will step into the women’s 50kg final at the Paris Olympics, replacing India’s Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified after failing the second-day weigh-in.
The organizers announced it on Wednesday.
Phogat, who was likely to compete for the gold medal against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the USA, was disqualified for exceeding the 50kg weight limit by a few grams.
As per Article 11 of the International Wrestling Rules, the wrestler who lost to the disqualified competitor in the semifinals will take their place.
Consequently, Guzman Lopez, who lost to Phogat in the semifinal, will now compete in the final.
In addition, the repechage match between Susaki Yui of Japan and Livach Oksana of Ukraine will be contested for the bronze medal.
Phogat had previously defeated Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinals, securing at least a silver medal for India and making history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the Olympic final.
Due to her disqualification, United World Wrestling regulations will rank her last.
Phogat’s journey at the Olympics began with a stunning victory over Japan’s Yui Susaki, the world No. 1 and four-time World Champion, who had remained undefeated for 95 international matches.
This upset was a significant highlight of Phogat’s Olympic campaign, but her absence from the final is a major setback for her and the Indian wrestling contingent.
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