India heartbroken after wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s bid for a common silver medal at the 2024 Olympics was rejected by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport
Wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s bid to win joint silver medal at the 2024 Olympics has been rejected by the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The operative part of the ruling is available, but the detailed ruling will be explained later. “The application submitted by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is rejected,” CAS said in its initial ruling on Wednesday. On the morning of the women’s 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit. When she was weighed in, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit.
Following her disqualification, Phogat applied on August 7 to the CAS, an international body established in 1984 to resolve sports-related disputes through arbitration, to be awarded a joint silver medal. After the application was rejected, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha expressed shock and disappointment at the decision of the sole arbitrator of the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to rule on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application against United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
In a statement, the IOA said, “The operative part of the August 14 decision to deny Vinesh a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg category at the 2024 Paris Olympics has significant implications for her in particular and for the sports world in general.” “The small deviation of 100 grams and the resulting consequences have significant implications not only in terms of Vinesh’s career but also in raising serious questions regarding the ambiguous rules and their interpretation.” The IOA said a “more thorough investigation” was required, adding that it was considering further legal options. “The IOA strongly believes that the complete disqualification of an athlete for such a weight violation on the second of two days warrants a more thorough investigation.
Our legal representatives have duly stated this in their submissions to the sole arbitrator,” the IOA said in a press release. “The Vinesh case highlights the draconian and perhaps inhumane regulations that do not take into account the physiological and psychological stresses experienced by athletes, particularly female athletes.
It is a stark reminder of the need for fairer and more appropriate standards that respect the welfare of athletes who come first.”
The IOA also said it would continue to provide all possible support to Vinesh. “In light of the CAS order, the IOA fully supports Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options.
The IOA remains committed to ensuring that Vinesh’s case is heard.” “The IOA will continue to advocate for justice and fairness in sport and strive to ensure that the rights and dignity of athletes and all those involved in sport are always protected,” it said. “We thank all stakeholders, athletes and the public for their continued support and understanding.”
VIDEO: Hezbollah fires 50 rockets at Israel to avenge killing of commander ‘Fouad Shukr’
