No medal for Vinesh Phogat, CAS dismisses appeal

In one sentence, Vinesh Phogat’s fate was sealed. In its single-line order on Wednesday, the ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ended the wrestler’s hopes of getting an Olympic silver medal after her appeal against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) was dismissed.

The verdict signed by Sole Arbitrator Annabelle Bennett stated: “The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed.”

A detailed order is expected in the coming days.

While Phogat, who is still in Paris, could not be reached for a comment, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha said she was ‘shocked and disappointed’. The IOA, a statement said, was exploring ‘further legal options.’

“The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes’ well-being,” the IOA said in a statement.

Phogat had challenged the decision to strip her of the medal after she failed to make the weight for her 50 kg final against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt last Wednesday. The Indian wrestler was found 100g overweight on the morning of the final and was subsequently disqualified from the competition. Hildebrandt eventually won the gold medal.

The UWW had defended its position, with the body’s president, Nenad Lalovic, saying ‘rules are rules’ and they were designed for the benefit of the wrestlers so that they do not reduce weight sharply on the day of their bouts.

The hearing in the case took place last Friday and the panel thrice extended the deadline to give a decision. As per the CAS rules, the ad hoc ‘panel shall give a decision within 24 hours of the lodging of the application. In exceptional cases, this time limit may be extended by the President of the ad hoc Division if circumstances so require.’

Phogat had challenged the decision to strip her of the medal after she failed to make the weight for her 50 kg final against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt last Wednesday. (PTI)

However, after two postponements last Saturday, the outcome was expected to be made public on Tuesday, when it was again pushed forward to Friday. Ultimately, it was shared with Phogat on Wednesday evening.

The IOA has significant implications for her, in particular, and the sporting community at large.

“The marginal discrepancy of 100 grams and the resultant consequences has a profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh’s career, but also raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation,” the IOA said.

The IOA’s representatives, Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, had argued that the ‘disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination’.

However, it failed to convince CAS.

“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.”

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Phogat’s situation led to a nationwide outcry, with several public figures, including sportspersons, coming out in her support.

Former Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra called it the “most brutal day in India’s Olympic history.”

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