Vinesh Phogat Appeals Olympic Disqualification; Verdict Expected Today

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) against her disqualification from the women’s 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The appeal comes after Vinesh was barred from competing in the final due to a weight discrepancy of just 100 grams.

Details of the Disqualification

Phogat, who had won her semi-final bout with a 5-0 margin, was poised to make history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. However, on the morning of the final, she weighed 50.1kg, slightly over the allowed weight limit of 50kg. Despite efforts to shed the excess weight, including intense training and sauna sessions, Vinesh was unable to meet the required weight and was consequently disqualified.

CAS Appeal and Potential Outcome

Vinesh has requested that she be awarded the silver medal if CAS rules in her favor. The CAS is expected to deliver its final verdict by the morning of August 8. Should the court rule in favor of Vinesh, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will have to award her a joint silver medal.

What is CAS?

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) is an independent institution established in 1984 to resolve sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS has courts in New York City and Sydney, with temporary courts set up for major events like the Olympics. It operates independently of sports organizations and provides a specialized forum for resolving legal disputes in sports.

Background on Phogat’s Disqualification

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat has sparked a focus on weight-cutting practices in combat sports. India’s Chief Medical Officer, Dinshaw Pardiwala, noted that Phogat made significant efforts to meet the weight requirement, including a rigorous training regime and adjustments to her clothing. Despite these efforts, she remained slightly over the weight limit, resulting in her disqualification from the final.

As the world waits for the CAS decision, Vinesh Phogat’s appeal highlights the intense pressures and challenges faced by athletes at the highest levels of competition.