The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad-hoc division on Wednesday ruled against Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal following her disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics. The appeal, submitted on August 7, 2024, contested her disqualification for being 100 grams overweight during the final bout’s weigh-in.
Phogat had hoped to secure a joint-silver medal alongside Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who ascended to the final round post-Phogat’s disqualification. Despite her plea, the CAS upheld the decision, leaving the Indian wrestler without a medal.
Dr. PT Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), voiced significant concern over the CAS’s decision, indicating severe repercussions for Phogat and the broader sports community. She criticized the stringent enforcement of weight regulations, noting, “The marginal discrepancy of 100 grams and the resultant consequences raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation.”
The IOA, advocating for a reassessment of what they consider “inhumane regulations,” expressed its ongoing support for Phogat. Dr. Usha highlighted the physiological and psychological stresses athletes face, urging for standards that prioritize their well-being.
Legal representation for Phogat included prominent advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, who argued the case before the Sole Arbitrator. Despite their efforts, Phogat announced her retirement following the disqualification, marking a dramatic close to her Olympic journey.
Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States clinched the gold medal in the category by defeating Lopez. Meanwhile, the United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach indicated a potential review of the rules might be considered in the future, although no exceptions would be made in Phogat’s case.
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India concluded the Olympic Games with six medals: one silver and five bronze. The highlight was Neeraj Chopra, defending champion, who secured the lone silver in the men’s javelin throw, with pistol shooter Manu Bhaker contributing two bronze medals to India’s tally.
