NEW DELHI: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday rejected Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the 50kg category final at the Paris Olympics.
Vinesh, who was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the second weigh-in on the morning of her gold-medal match, had also requested to be awarded a joint silver medal. However, CAS dismissed both her appeal and her demand for the medal.
In a statement, IOA President PT Usha expressed “shock and disappointment at the decision of the Sole Arbitrator at the CAS to dismiss wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).”
“The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh’s application to be awarded a shared silver medal in women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large,” the IOA stated.
With Vinesh’s appeal rejected, India’s medal tally from the Paris Olympics stands at six, comprising one silver and five bronze.
Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport a day after being disqualified, stating she no longer had the strength to continue.
“The marginal discrepancy of a 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 statement said.
“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.
“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 added.
The IOA remains steadfast in its support for Vinesh following the order by CAS. The organization is actively seeking additional legal avenues to ensure that Vinesh’s case receives the attention it deserves.
“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 will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times,” IOA said.
