Vinesh Phogat's Petition For Silver In Olympics 2024 Dismissed By Court Of Arbitration For Sports

Paris Olympics 2024: India's star wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal for a joint silver medal has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) as per sources. The operative part of the order has been revealed, whereas the detailed order will come out shortly. She was disqualified during the weigh-in for the women's 50kg wrestling final at the recently concluded quadrennial event. She was 100g overweight.

 After she was disqualified, she appealed to the CAS, which is an international body built in 1984 to solve disputes with sportspersons through arbitration last week, for allowing her to at least get a joint silver medal. 

Ever since her plea had been rejected, PT Usha, the president of the IOA, showed her disappointment with the decision made by the sole arbitrator of the CAS, who dismissed Vinesh Phogat's application against the UWW and the IOC. 

"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," a statement released by the IOA said. 

"The marginal discrepancy of 100 grams 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", it further said. 

The IOA also revealed that they would look for more legal options. 

"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," the statement further 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."

The IOA also said that they would help Vinesh in all possible ways from here on.

"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. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public", the statement concluded.