Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Despite winning her semi-final match decisively, Phogat missed the final weight limit by just 100 grams.
Vinesh Phogat was poised to become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, but her chance at glory was thwarted when she weighed 50.1 kg, slightly over the 50 kg limit. This disqualification occurred on the morning of her gold medal bout, despite her valiant efforts to meet the weight requirement.
The disqualification has sparked significant dismay among Indian sports enthusiasts. Vinesh had intensely trained to shed 2.7 kg gained after her semi-final victory, including spending time in a sauna and employing other drastic weight-cutting techniques. Her coaches even attempted to alter her attire to reduce her weight, but these measures proved insufficient.
Vinesh Phogat has requested CAS to review her disqualification and award her the silver medal instead. The Court of Arbitration for Sport, an independent body established in 1984 to handle sports-related disputes, will issue its final verdict by the morning of August 8. Should CAS rule in her favour, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would be obligated to grant Vinesh a joint silver medal.
CAS operates under the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS) and is responsible for resolving legal disputes in sports through arbitration. It is an essential institution in the international sports community, ensuring fair resolution of disputes.
Phogat’s disqualification highlights the intense scrutiny and pressure athletes face regarding weight management in combat sports. The athlete’s disqualification has drawn attention to the extreme measures often undertaken by wrestlers to meet stringent weight limits. Despite her rigorous efforts and the disappointment of missing out on a gold medal, Vinesh’s appeal reflects her ongoing determination to seek justice and recognition for her performance.
The outcome of the CAS appeal will be crucial in determining Vinesh Phogat’s final standing in the Paris Olympics. The case underscores the challenges athletes face in weight management and the complexities involved in Olympic-level competition. The Indian sports community remains hopeful for a positive resolution and recognition of Vinesh Phogat’s remarkable achievements.