CAS Dismisses Vinesh Phogat Appeal for Joint Silver After 2024 Paris Olympics Disqualification

CAS dismisses Vinesh Phogat appeal for joint silver after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024. Phogat was disqualified for missing the weight cut in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final.

In a heartbreaking turn of events for Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed her appeal for a joint silver medal following her disqualification at the Paris Olympics. The disqualification, which came just hours before Phogat was set to compete for the gold in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final, has been a significant point of contention in the sports world, leaving many questioning the rigidity of Olympic regulations.

Phogat’s disqualification shocked her fans and supporters as she had been poised to make history as the first Indian female wrestler to reach an Olympic final. Her disqualification, however, stemmed from missing the required weight by a mere 100 grams—a seemingly small margin that had major repercussions. With the dismissal of her appeal, Phogat’s journey at the Paris Olympics ends not with the medal she had fought so hard to achieve but with disappointment and controversy.

The Road to Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey had been nothing short of inspiring until her unexpected disqualification. In her early bouts at the Paris Olympics, she showcased her world-class abilities, defeating some of the toughest competitors in the sport. In a particularly notable match, Phogat took down Japan’s Yui Susaki, the reigning Olympic champion. This victory bolstered her position as a favorite to win gold in the 50kg freestyle category.

Phogat’s path to the final was earned fair and square, making her disqualification even more difficult to digest. She had passed the initial weigh-in and proceeded to battle through the tournament with remarkable success. However, the issue arose when Phogat was required to weigh in for her final bout against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. On the morning of her gold medal match, she failed to meet the weight requirement by 100 grams—an extremely narrow margin that led to her immediate disqualification.

CAS Ruling and Vinesh Phogat Appeal

Phogat’s legal team acted swiftly, appealing the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to secure a joint silver medal. Phogat’s argument was grounded in the fact that she had already passed her first weigh-in and had reached the final through legitimate victories. Moreover, she argued that the weight gain could have been mitigated had she been granted a second weigh-in attempt after the initial failure. The CAS, however, rejected this argument.

CAS issued a statement on Wednesday, dismissing Phogat’s plea. “The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed,” the ruling read. CAS clarified that the rules surrounding Olympic weigh-ins are stringent and do not allow for second attempts. The statement also reiterated that Phogat’s disqualification was in accordance with Olympic rules and regulations, emphasizing that no exceptions could be made for athletes, regardless of how narrow the margin of failure.

A Rigorous Weight Cut

Phogat’s disqualification sheds light on the extreme demands that elite athletes face, particularly when it comes to making weight for their competitions. In the world of wrestling, weight cuts are a common and often grueling part of preparation. Athletes may lose significant amounts of weight in the days and hours leading up to a match in order to qualify for their weight class. This process can involve dehydration, strict dieting, and intensive physical activity—all of which take a toll on the body.

In Phogat’s case, the stress of the weight cut became evident as she reportedly gained two kilograms following her third bout. Despite rigorous efforts to shed the extra weight, she fell short by a mere 100 grams. Unfortunately, in the unforgiving world of Olympic competition, even the smallest misstep can result in disqualification.

The Implications for Phogat and Indian Wrestling

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and subsequent dismissal of her appeal carry significant implications for her career and for Indian wrestling as a whole. Phogat, a trailblazer for Indian women in wrestling, was on the cusp of winning the nation’s first Olympic wrestling gold medal. Her journey to the final was a historic achievement in itself, and her performances in Paris demonstrated that she is among the elite wrestlers in the world.

However, the disqualification has left a sour note on what could have been a monumental moment for Indian sports. Phogat’s case also raises questions about the strictness of Olympic regulations, particularly around weigh-ins. While fairness and consistency are paramount, some have argued that the system could allow for more flexibility, especially in cases where athletes miss weight by such a small margin.

Moving Forward

Despite this setback, Phogat remains a symbol of perseverance and dedication in the Indian sports community. Her ability to reach the final at the world’s most prestigious sporting event is a testament to her skill and determination. Moving forward, Phogat will have to rebuild her career after this controversy, but there is little doubt that she has the resilience to do so.

For Indian wrestling, the Paris Olympics were a showcase of the country’s growing prowess in the sport. With more support, resources, and training, future generations of Indian wrestlers could follow in Phogat’s footsteps and achieve Olympic success. While Phogat may not have returned from Paris with a medal around her neck, her journey has inspired countless young athletes across the country.

Conclusion: A Controversial End to a Promising Journey

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification at the Paris Olympics and the subsequent rejection of her appeal by CAS marks a disappointing end to what was otherwise a historic run. The decision by CAS to dismiss her request for a joint silver underscores the importance of following Olympic regulations to the letter, no matter how harsh the consequences may seem.

For Phogat, the next chapter in her career will be about redemption. Her talent and determination will undoubtedly carry her forward, and she remains a beacon of hope for Indian wrestling. The Paris Olympics may not have ended as planned, but Vinesh Phogat’s legacy as one of India’s greatest wrestlers remains intact.