On Sunday, August 11, India ended its Paris Olympics 2024 campaign with six medals — one silver and five bronze. There was, however, a chance that India could increase its tally by one, adding another silver by female wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the competition on the morning of her gold medal bout last week. Vinesh, who failed to make the weight in the 50kg category, had filed a petition at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a favourable verdict. However, the Ad-Hoc Division of CAS has dismissed the petition.
Distraught by the decision, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has said it’ll explore further legal option, in a bid to overturn the verdict. As per reports, IOA President PT Usha has expressed shock and disappointment at the development.
“The IOA firmly believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination. Our legal representatives had duly brought this out in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator,” said Usha in her statement.
The IOA statement said: “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.”
“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,” it said.
“We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public,” said the IOA.
While initial reports stated that Phogat weighed around 2 kgs more than the required weight, later it emerged that the grappler had gone through an intense routine to reduce her weight, including working out overnight and chopping her hair, but missed the mark by 100 grams.
Vinesh, who had caused a massive upset by beating Japan’s Yui Susaki and handing the latter her sole career defeat, was a favourite to win the gold.
