CAS rejects Vinesh Phogat's appeal for silver medal after Olympics disqualification

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal for a silver medal, following her disqualification from the Women's 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024, was rejected by the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.

“The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed,” read the operative part of the decision rendered by CAS on Wednesday.

In an official statement, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) declared its unwavering support for Phogat. The IOA is actively pursuing legal avenues to ensure that the wrestler's case receives a fair hearing. Association President PT Usha has voiced her disappointment with the ruling of the Sole Arbitrator.

IOA Full Statement

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).

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 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.

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.

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 field are upheld at all times.

We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public.

Vinesh, who dominated the women's 50kg freestyle event with three impressive victories, including a notable win against wrestling legend Yui Susaki of Japan, was unfortunately disqualified from the gold medal match against eventual champion Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States. This was due to her being slightly over the prescribed weight limit during the customary morning weigh-in.

The unexpected turn of events left Vinesh devastated, prompting her to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). She requested to be awarded a joint silver medal alongside Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had initially lost to Vinesh but was elevated to the final following the Indian wrestler's disqualification.

Following her disheartening disqualification, Vinesh made the difficult decision to retire from the sport, citing a lack of motivation to continue. This announcement was met with an outpouring of support from sporting icons worldwide, recognizing the talent and dedication of the 29-year-old wrestler who had competed in her third Olympic Games.

Also read| From enemies to soulmates: Hockey legend PR Sreejesh recalls his Bollywood style love story with wife Aneeshya