The Court of Arbitration for Sport has rejected wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application for a shared silver medal in the 2024 Olympics (CAS). The order's operational portion is available now, and the comprehensive version will follow. 'The initial order issued by the CAS on Wednesday dismisses the application filed by VInesh Phogat on August 7, 2024.' On the morning of the women's 50kg wrestling final at the Olympics in Paris, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for weighing too much. She was discovered to be 100 grams above the allowed weight during the weigh-in.
After being disqualified, Phogat applied on August 7 for a joint silver medal from CAS, an international organisation founded in 1984 to arbitrate sports-related disputes.
The decision of the Sole Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to dismiss wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) shocked and disappointed PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), after the plea was denied.
'The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh's application to be awarded a shared silver medal women's 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large,' the International Olympic Committee stated in a statement.
'The marginal discrepancy of 100 grammes 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.'
A 'deeper examination' is required, the IOA continued, adding that it looked into further legal alternatives.
'The IOA is certain that further investigation is necessary when an athlete is completely disqualified for a weight violation on the second of two days. In their representations before the Sole Arbitrator, our legal counsel had appropriately brought this up,' the IOA stated.
'The Vinesh case brings to light the strict and, at times, cruel rules that do not take into consideration the physiological and psychological strains that athletes, especially female athletes, bear. It serves as a clear reminder of the need for more fair and sensible regulations that put athletes' welfare first.'
The IOA went on to say that it would help Vinesh in any way it could move ahead.
'The IOA is still fully in favour of Ms Phogat and is looking into other legal alternatives in light of the CAS's ruling. The IOA is dedicated to making sure Vinesh's cause is taken up. The IOA stated that it would keep pushing for justice and equity in sports and making sure that everyone involved in the sports world, including athletes, has their rights and dignity respected at all times. 'We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public.'
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