In a significant setback for India at the Paris Olympics, wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification in the women’s 50kg category has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). This ruling upholds the decision made earlier by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), effectively ending India’s chances of securing a seventh medal at these Games.
Court Ruling and the Impact on Vinesh Phogat
The CAS released its operative verdict on Wednesday, August 14, confirming that Vinesh Phogat would not receive the silver medal she had hoped for. Instead, she finished last in her category, following the court’s decision that reaffirmed the IOC’s stance.
The CAS is known for its strict adherence to the rules and regulations of relevant sports federations, and this case was no exception. Vinesh Phogat’s appeal, which had been delayed multiple times, was ultimately rejected, solidifying her disqualification.
The Circumstances Leading to Disqualification
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg gold medal match after she failed the weigh-in ahead of the final. The Indian wrestler was found to be 100 grams over the 50kg weight limit during the second day of the weigh-in, a crucial determinant in wrestling matches. Although she had cleared the weigh-in on the first day and won three matches, including an impressive victory over Japan’s Yui Susaki, Vinesh was unable to compete in the final due to her disqualification.
The IOC’s ruling allowed Cuba’s Guzman Uzneylys, who lost to Vinesh in the semifinals, to take her place in the final against the USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
The Legal Battle and CAS Hearing
Vinesh Phogat, supported by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), appealed to the CAS, arguing that her weight gain was a natural result of the body’s recovery process after the first day’s competition. Her legal team, including senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, contended that the weight gain was neither intentional nor fraudulent and that it should not have led to such severe consequences.
Despite these arguments, the CAS upheld the IOC’s decision, rejecting Vinesh’s plea for a joint silver medal. The decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, with IOA President PT Usha expressing shock and disappointment, emphasizing the need for more humane and equitable regulations that consider the physiological and psychological stresses athletes face, particularly female athletes.
Reaction and Future Implications
The ruling has sparked a debate within the wrestling community about the fairness of two-day weigh-ins and the rigidity of weight category enforcement at the Olympics. American wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs has called for the United World Wrestling to reconsider its rules, advocating for a 1kg allowance on the second day of weigh-ins and suggesting that both semifinalists should be awarded Olympic medals.
While Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey ended in disappointment, her case has highlighted the need for re-evaluating some of the sport’s regulations, potentially influencing future policies in wrestling.
