Why in the News?

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after the official weigh-in on Wednesday morning, before her scheduled gold medal bout in the evening, leaving her without a medal.

What is Weight Cutting?

• Weight cutting is the process by which athletes systematically reduce their body weight before a competition. This typically involves a combination of dietary restrictions and intensive physical activity aimed at shedding a specific amount of weight, often over a period of weeks leading up to the event.
• Wrestlers often employ extreme measures such as skipping meals, limiting water intake, and engaging in intense exercise, including sauna sessions and wearing heavy clothing to promote sweating. This can lead to rapid weight loss primarily through fluid loss.

Why Do Combat Athletes Cut Weight?

• Combat sports like wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts (MMA) are organized by weight classes to ensure fair competition. Athletes aim to compete in lower weight classes to gain a size and strength advantage over their opponents, as they can often regain weight after the weigh-in.
• By cutting weight, athletes believe they can compete against opponents who are lighter and potentially less strong, thus increasing their chances of success in the competition.

Should Weight Cutting Be Banned?

• The practice of weight cutting poses significant health risks, including dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and energy depletion, which can impair performance and lead to serious medical issues. Athletes may experience severe fatigue and reduced physical capabilities after extreme weight cuts.
• There is an ongoing debate about whether weight cutting should be banned or regulated more strictly. Critics argue that the health risks outweigh the competitive advantages, while supporters maintain that it is a part of the sport’s culture and can be managed safely with proper guidance.
• Some suggest that instead of banning weight cutting, sports organizations should implement better regulations and educate athletes about safe practices for weight management, including gradual weight loss and hydration strategies.

Way forward: 

• Implement Hydration Testing: Regular hydration tests can prevent severe dehydration, ensuring athletes remain within safe hydration levels.
• Weight Class Monitoring: Monitor athletes’ weight throughout the training period to discourage rapid weight loss just before competition.
• Set Minimum Weight Limits: Establish minimum weight thresholds based on athletes’ natural body weight to prevent extreme weight cuts.

Mains PYQ:

Q An athlete participates in the Olympics for personal triumph and the nation’s glory; victors are showered with cash incentives by various agencies, on their return. Discuss the merit of state-sponsored talent hunt and its cultivation as against the rationale of a reward mechanism as encouragement. (UPSC IAS/2014)

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