Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics due to 100gms of excess weight has since divided the internet into two groups. One that calls the decision absolutely unnecessary and the other which claims that Phogat could have made it possible. Not many know this but Phogat’s setback echoes a similar challenge faced by boxing legend Mary Kom, who also encountered a weight cut challenge but went on to win against all odds.
In 2018, at the Silesian Open Boxing Tournament in Poland, Mary Kom found herself teetering on the edge of disqualification. Just before the weigh-in, she tipped the scales slightly over 48 kg, jeopardizing her participation. Undeterred, the Olympic bronze medallist tackled the challenge head-on and went on to win gold.
How Mary Kom lost weight?
Mary managed to lose the excess weight and secure her place in the competition. But how did she do it? Kom told PTI that she did skipping for an hour at a stretch and after that, she was ready to compete.
Mary Kom’s resolve paid off spectacularly. Not only did she make the appropriate weight, but she also went on to clinch a gold medal, demonstrating her exceptional perseverance and athletic prowess.
How was it possible for Mary Kom to lose 2 kg of weight in 4hrs?
Skipping, or jump rope, is a powerhouse workout for weight loss, capable of torching a substantial number of calories in just a few minutes. Jaya Jyotsna, a dietician at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi, told The India Express that one can burn approximately 10-16 calories per minute while skipping.
Jaya explains that this simple yet effective exercise engages various muscle groups, including the legs, core, and arms, resulting in improved muscle tone across the body. Beyond just muscle building, skipping significantly boosts heart and lung capacity, enhancing overall stamina and endurance. Its high-intensity nature revs up metabolism, which accelerates fat loss.
One of the major advantages of skipping is its minimal equipment and space requirements. This makes it a highly versatile workout that can be seamlessly incorporated into any fitness routine. Whether you’re at home or on the go, jumping rope is a convenient way to achieve a challenging cardio workout that drives results. So, if you’re looking to ramp up your weight loss efforts, skipping might just be the dynamic addition your exercise regimen needs.
Vinesh Phogat’s arduous weight loss journey in Paris Olympics
Once Vinesh Phogat moved into the 50 kg weight category, she faced the challenge of shedding at least 6 kg before each competition. This sudden weight reduction is notoriously grueling and difficult. On the first day of her weight-cutting process, she gained about 1.5 kg after replenishing her fluids and nutrients.
Despite her efforts, the time allowed for weight reduction was insufficient, and the drastic measures she had taken—often involving severe restrictions on food and water, combined with intense exercise and sauna sessions—could have serious health consequences. Such extreme weight cuts are known to lead to physical ailments, which is why doctors typically advise against them.
Wrestlers manage their weight by carefully regulating their food and water intake while engaging in heavy sweating activities to lose weight. This process often leaves them feeling weak and depleted, impacting their performance. To counteract these effects, they are provided with limited water and high-energy foods to help maintain their energy levels. According to Vinesh’s nutritionist, she needed to shed an additional 1.5 kg. Despite cutting her hair and other measures, Vinesh’s final weigh-in showed an increase of 100 grams, which prevented her from meeting the required weight limit.
