Vinesh Phogat's Petition Dismissed: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed the petition filed by the Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat against the United World Wrestling (UWW) for a joint-silver medal after facing disqualification from the 50 kg wrestling event final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the CAS's decision to reject Phogat's plea and expressed its disappointment.
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified after weighing 100 grams over the permissible limit during the weigh-in on the morning of August 7, prior to her historic gold-medal match against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the USA in women's 50kg wrestling at the Olympics 2024.
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PT Usha Expreses Disappointment At CAS's Decision
In a statement, IOA President PT Usha expressed her "shock and disappointment" at the Sole Arbitrator's decision at CAS to dismiss Vinesh Phogat's application against UWW and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Dr. PT Usha has expressed her shock and disappointment at the decision of the Sole Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to dismiss wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC),” an IOA official media release says.
“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 IOA added.
Throrough Reveiw Needed Over Ambiguous Rules: IOA
The IOA statement also highlights that the 100-gram weight discrepancy and its consequences have a significant impact on Vinesh Phogat's career and that it raises concerns about the clarity of rules at the Olympics. The IOA believes that a thorough review is needed for such a minor infraction.
"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 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," reads the IOA release further.
India Ends Paris Olympics With Six Medals
With Phogat's prospects of winning her case dashed, India ends its Paris Olympics 2024 campaign with six medals, five bronze and one silver. India's final medal tally is one less than that of what the country had at the Tokyo Olympics 2020.