• By Mayukh Debnath
  • Wed, 14 Aug 2024 11:07 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Vinesh Phogat CAS Verdict: After the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal for a joint silver medal in the women's freestyle 50-kg category of the 2024 Olympics on Wednesday, Olympic medallist and boxer Vijender Singh termed the verdict "very sad and unfortunate".

"This is a very sad and unfortunate thing for us...We could have won gold in the Olympics if she had made it through the finals. We are standing with Vinesh and will always support her...This is a sad news and I am not happy with this news," he said.

In a statement following the pronouncement of the CAS's judgment, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed "shock and disappointment at the decision of the Sole Arbitrator at the CAS to dismiss wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC)."

ALSO READ: President Murmu Highlights New Criminal Laws, India's Progress In Economy In Independence Day Address | Video

"The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh's application to be awarded a shared silver medal in women's 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large," the IOA stated. 

The IOA also lashed out at "inhumane regulations" that fail to consider the "physiological and psychological stresses faced by athletes". On August 7, Vinesh was stripped of the opportunity to participate in the gold medal bout of her category after she weighed 100 grams more than the 50-kg limit at the morning weigh-in.

ALSO READ: Karnataka Govt Suspends Transactions With SBI, PNB Over Allegations Of Misuse Of Funds

In an unexpected move a day later, she announced her retirement from wrestling via a moving social media post. The 29-year-old had resorted to desperate measures to save herself from disqualification, including cutting her hair, going without food and water, and working out an entire night. She ultimately needed IV fluids due to extreme dehydration and her plight evoked sympathy across the board.

(With inputs from agencies)