A FEMALE Olympic wrestler has been disqualified just hours before the final – after being overweight by less than ONE POUND.
India star Vinesh Phogat, 29, was found to be 2kg (4lb) over her target on Tuesday and stayed up all night in a desperate bid to shed the weight.
Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the finalGetty
She spent the night jogging and cycling while the Indian Olympic contingent pleaded for some time.
Phogat then got back on the scales and was overweight by just 150 grams.
But it was not enough to meet the requirements and Olympic chiefs have disqualified her from the final.
Following her desperate attempt to lose the pounds, Phogat is believed to have fainted due to dehydration and been taken to hospital in Paris.
She was set to face Sarah Hildebrandt in the final today.
But with the clash now off, the American is expected to be awarded with the gold medal.
Yet no silver will supposedly be awarded to Phogat despite her beating three opponents at the Games.
The decision has sparked fury in India, with the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi wading in, saying: “Vinesh, you are a champion among champions. You are India’s pride and an inspiration.
“Today’s setback hurts. I wish words could express the sense of despair that I am experiencing.
“At the same time, I know that you epitomise resilience. It has always been your nature to take challenges head on. Come back stronger. We are all rooting for you.”
Phogats’ Olympic dream being shattered comes amid a remarkable comeback from a career-threatening ACL injury that she picked up back in Rio in 2016.
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