Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against being disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The judgement, which came out on Wednesday, is a big setback to Phogat who was expecting an overturning of her disqualification that happened just before her gold medal fight after weighing in with an excess of 100 grams above what was required.
Phogat, who had initially contested the decision to disqualify her from the women’s 50kg wrestling final, sought a joint silver medal after being ruled out. The CAS dismissed her appeal, ending her chance for the medal and confirming her disqualification, which also nullified her previous victories.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing the impact on both Phogat and the wider sporting community. According to the IOA, “The dismissal of Phogat’s appeal has significant implications, reflecting the rigorous adherence to rules and the challenges faced by athletes.”
Phogat’s disqualification came as a shock, given that her weight exceeded the limit only on the final day of the competition after successful earlier weigh-ins. The UWW’s strict rules dictate that any weight issues lead to immediate disqualification, which Phogat and her team contested without success.
Phogat, who was represented by prominent advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, had initially filed two pleas: one to stay the gold medal match and another to receive a joint silver. Both pleas were ultimately rejected, and Phogat’s announcement of her retirement from wrestling followed the ruling.
In her emotional response, Phogat expressed that “wrestling won, and I lost,” reflecting the personal and professional toll the decision has taken on her. The ruling also concluded a challenging period for the athlete, who had previously made history as the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.
The CAS’s decision underscores the stringent enforcement of competition rules and concludes a turbulent chapter for Phogat and Indian wrestling.
