CHENNAI: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday dismissed the application filed by wrestler Vinesh Phogat challenging her disqualification from the women’s 50kg competition at the recently-concluded 2024 Paris Olympics. It’s understood that the operative part of the order was communicated directly to the Indian Olympic Association, an interested party in the case.
The two-time World Championships bronze medallist had challenged her disqualification on August 7 and said that she should be awarded a shared silver as she had reached the final on the first day of the competition when she successfully made the weight cut at the weigh-in. Vinesh was found 100 grams overweight the next morning which led to her disqualification.
Meanwhile, Vinesh is scheduled to return to the country on August 17.
Reacting to Wednesday’s decision, IOA president PT Usha expressed her disappointment. “The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh’s application to be awarded a shared silver medal women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large.
The marginal discrepancy of 100 grams and the resultant consequences has profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh’s career but also raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation. The IOA firmly believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination. Our legal representatives had duly brought this out in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator,” read a statement released by the IOA.
Notably, the verdict was to be delivered on Tuesday before being extended for the third time with the CAS deciding August 16 as the new date. It is now learnt that the detailed order may be communicated to the IOA on August 16.
Vinesh announced her retirement hours after she was disqualified. Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman, who lost to Vinesh in the semifinal, contested the gold-medal bout against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. The latter won the gold. “The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes’ well-being,” said the statement.
The IOA also asserted that it is exploring further legal options. “In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh’s case is heard,” it said.
