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On Wednesday, Vinesh Phogat’s bid for an Olympic silver medal was conclusively dashed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which rejected her appeal against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The decision, delivered by Sole Arbitrator Annabelle Bennett, was succinctly stated as: “The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed.” A more detailed explanation of the ruling is anticipated in the coming days.
Phogat, currently in Paris, was unavailable for comment. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed her shock and disappointment, with the IOA exploring further legal avenues. The IOA criticized the regulations involved, arguing they fail to account for the physical and psychological pressures athletes face, especially female competitors. They called for fairer standards that prioritize athletes’ well-being.
The issue began when Phogat was disqualified from her 50 kg wrestling final against Sarah Hildebrandt due to being 100 grams overweight. This disqualification, which occurred just before the match, led to Hildebrandt being awarded the gold medal. UWW defended its stance, emphasizing that strict weight rules prevent athletes from engaging in drastic weight cuts before competitions.
The CAS hearing had faced multiple delays before the final decision was issued. Despite the repeated extensions, the ruling was ultimately communicated to Phogat on Wednesday evening. The IOA’s representatives had argued that the disqualification for such a minor weight discrepancy, especially occurring on the second day of weigh-ins, deserved a more thorough review. However, their arguments did not sway CAS.
The outcome has significant implications not only for Phogat but also for the broader sports community. The IOA remains committed to advocating for justice and fairness in sports, emphasizing the need for a reconsideration of how weight-related rules are applied.
