Vinesh Phogat – Paris Olympics 2024: Indian wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat made headlines at the Paris Olympics 2024, not for her exceptional performance on the mat but for her controversial disqualification in the finals. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently released a comprehensive 24 page report detailing the reasons behind its decision to dismiss Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal after she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final for being overweight.
Let’s have a look into more details: Vinesh Phogat – Paris Olympics 2024
Vinesh Phogat became the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, an achievement that was quickly overshadowed by her disqualification the following morning. During the customary weigh in before the gold medal match, Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the 50kg weight limit, leading to her immediate disqualification.
The disqualification was a crushing blow for Phogat, who had fought her way through three tough bouts, even defeating the legendary Yui Susaki of Japan in the semifinals. Following her disqualification, Phogat filed an appeal with the CAS, seeking a joint silver medal with the Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to Phogat in the semifinals but was subsequently promoted to the final. However, the CAS ultimately ruled against her.
The CAS’s Firm Stance
One of the most significant points in the CAS’s ruling was its rejection of any tolerance for weight discrepancies, even as minor as 100 grams. The court made it clear that the 50kg weight limit is an absolute upper limit, with no room for personal accommodation or discretion. The CAS stated that while the consequences were severe, they were in line with the existing rules of the sport, which require athletes to maintain their eligibility throughout the competition.
The CAS also dismissed the IOA’s claim of faulty weigh in machines, which allegedly registered 50 grams when empty. The court found no evidence to support this claim, further reinforcing its decision to uphold the disqualification.
A Heartbreaking End for Vinesh Phogat
Vinesh Phogat’s journey at the Paris Olympics 2024 ended in heartbreak, and her subsequent appeal to the CAS has now been officially closed. The wrestler, who had hoped to bring home a medal for India, now faces an uncertain future in the sport. After her disqualification, Phogat returned to India, where she announced her retirement from wrestling, leaving fans and supporters in shock.
The CAS report, while sympathetic to Phogat’s situation, ultimately upheld the rules that govern the sport. The ruling serves as a stern reminder to all athletes of the stringent requirements that come with competing at the highest levels of international sport.
