Asenior advocate on Monday criticised the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for its handling of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification due to her weight.
The advocate, Rahul Mehra, emphasised that the IOA should have supported Phogat, especially since the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was suspended at the time. The case only reached this stage thanks to timely intervention by pro bono lawyers.
He criticised the IOA for its lack of accountability and professionalism, stating that a “chalta hai” (casual) attitude is pervasive in all sports federations. “IOA was expected to take Vinesh side as wrestling federation was just a suspended body but on the contrary it’s president Sanjay Singh was present there. IOA should have given shoulder to Vinesh but what we saw here is complete unaccountability and unprofessionalism and a chalta hai attitude is deeply rooted in all federations, including IOA,” Mehra told India Today.
Mehra also took issue with IOA President PT Usha’s comments about Phogat, expressing disappointment that a former athlete herself could show such a lack of empathy. He argued that as a woman who has faced challenges to reach her level of success, Usha should have shown more respect and not simply followed the directives of others. Mehra urged Usha to apologise, noting that doing so would demonstrate strength of character.
Representing Phogat in the Delhi High Court, where she and others are seeking elections in the Wrestling Federation, Mehra argued that athletes’ interests should take precedence over those of the federations. He stressed that sports federations exist to serve athletes and that athletes should have a voice in these organisations.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to deliver its verdict on Phogat’s case on Tuesday. The 29-year-old wrestler was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s 50kg wrestling final after being found 100 grams overweight.
