New Delhi: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat will not be awarded a joint silver medal for making it to the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle category at the Paris Olympics 2024 after her appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Wednesday, August 14. CAS ruled in favour of the International Olympic Council (IOC) and the United World Wrestling (UWW) as it dismissed Vinesh’s appeal for a joint silver.
Vinesh had appealed for a joint-silver medal after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics for failing to make weight ahead of her gold medal match in the 50kg freestyle category. Vinesh was scheduled to face USA’s Sarah Ann Hilderbrant in the final but failed her final weigh-in ahead of the gold medal match as she was found 100 grams overweight.
She was disqualified from the competition and barred from competing in the final while also being stripped of her assured silver medal for reaching the final. Vinesh had cleared the weigh-in on Day 1 and won three bouts back-to-back, including a stunning win against defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan to reach the final. However, a twist in fate saw her getting disqualified ahead of the gold medal match.
Vinesh had initially appealed to be allowed to compete in the final, however, the appeal was later changed, demanding a joint silver medal for the 29-year-old Indian wrestler. Vinesh’s legal team during the CAS hearing last week argued that she made it to the final while being within the permissible weight limit and failed to make her weight ahead of the final due to changes in her body which was natural after fighting three bouts on Day 1.
However, after delaying the verdict thrice, CAS on Wednesday dismissed the Indian wrestler’s appeal in its ‘operative verdict’. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed shock at the CAS verdict, stating that it will have ‘significant implications’ on Vinesh and the sporting community at large. IOA said it stands in support of Vinesh and will explore further legal options.
What did the IOA say on CAS’ verdict over Vinesh Phogat’s appeal?
“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,” IOA said in its statement.
The Indian Olympic Association also stated that it stands firmly in support of Vinesh and will continue to make efforts to ensure the 29-year-old wrestler’s case is heard and she is delivered justice.
“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 fold are upheld at all times,” the IOA added.
What happened after Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification?
Following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being overweight, Vinesh was replaced by Cuban wrestler Guzman Uzneylys in the gold medal match against American Hilderbrant. Hilderbrant went on to win the gold medal after defeating the Cuban, who Vinesh had thrashed in her semi-final bout to reach the final.
Meanwhile, Uzneylys was awarded the silver medal after losing the final against Hilderbrant. Vinesh, on the other hand, finished last in her category despite making it to the final due to being disqualified.
The Indian Olympic Association said it stands in full support of wrestler Vinesh Phogat and will explore further legal option after her disqualification appeal was rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), leaving her without a medal from the Paris Olympics 2024. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
