Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Silver Medal Hopes ends as CAS Rejects Appeal
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s hopes of securing a silver medal at the Paris Olympics were dashed on Wednesday when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad-hoc division rejected her appeal. Phogat had been disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final for being 100 grams overweight, a decision that drew strong reactions from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The CAS announced its verdict despite extending the deadline for a decision until August 16. The terse ruling stated: “The Ad-Hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) renders the following decision: The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7th August 2024 is dismissed.”
Phogat had requested that she be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was promoted to the final after Phogat’s disqualification. The gold medal was claimed by American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
IOA President PT Usha expressed “shock and disappointment” over the outcome, criticizing the “inhumane regulations” of United World Wrestling (UWW) for not considering the “physiological and psychological stresses faced by athletes.” The IOA condemned the stringent rules and announced that it would continue to explore further legal options, although the matter appears to be concluded for now.
Phogat, who was returning to India from Paris on Saturday according to fellow wrestler Bajrang Punia, had taken extreme measures to meet the weight limit, including cutting her hair and fasting. Despite these efforts, she was disqualified.
In response to the ruling, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling in an emotional social media post. The IOA highlighted that the decision has significant implications not only for Phogat but for the sporting community at large, and stressed the need for more equitable regulations that prioritize athlete well-being.
The rejection of Phogat’s appeal leaves India’s medal tally from the Paris Olympics at six, including one silver and five bronze. While prominent figures such as javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar supported Phogat, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and UWW upheld the strict adherence to regulations.
Phogat’s legal team, including French lawyers and senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, worked pro bono to support her appeal. Despite their efforts, the CAS ad-hoc division, established for resolving disputes during the Games, upheld the disqualification, marking a somber end to Phogat’s Olympic campaign.