No Olympic medal for Vinesh Phogat as CAS dismisses petition
What's the story
Vinesh Phogat will not be getting a silver medal after her petition was rejected by the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). She had earlier appeal against disqualification from the women's 50kg final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The verdict, initially scheduled for August 13 by CAS' ad-hoc division, was postponed to August 16. However, the decision has now been made.
Happenings
Phogat's historic victory and subsequent disqualification
On August 6, Phogat defeated top seed Yui Susaki, two-time European Games medalist Oksana Livach, and Pan-American Games champion Yusneylys Guzman Lopez. Despite her victory, she was required to lose approximately 2kg before the next morning. However, even after taking drastic measures including cutting her hair, Phogat failed the weigh-in by 100gm on August 7 leading to her disqualification from the competition.
Appeal
Phogat appealed for joint-silver medal, announced retirement
Following her disqualification, Phogat appealed to the CAS on August 7 seeking a joint-silver medal. The CAS accepted her appeal and referred it to Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC, sitting as a Sole Arbitrator. A hearing with all parties was held that day. In an unexpected turn of events, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling via a social media post on August 8.
Disqualified
Phogat disqualified from Olympics for being overweight
Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics after she could not make the weight on the morning of her 50kg gold medal bout. "It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women's Wrestling 50kg class," the Indian Olympic Association said in a statement.
Weight categpry
Phogat stayed up all night to meet requirement
This isn't the first time Phogat has struggled to meet the 50kg weight category—lower than her usual 53kg class. She encountered a similar challenge during the Olympic qualifiers. Reports indicate that Phogat stayed up all night—doing everything possible to meet the requirement—but it wasn't sufficient. The Indian delegation reportedly requested extra time for her to lose the final 100 grams, but to no avail.
Heartbreak
Rules about the weight cut
As per the Article 8 Competition System of UWW's rulebook, "The medical control and a first weigh-in will be held the morning of the concerned weight category." "The qualified athletes for the finals and repechages will be weigh-in again the second morning of the concerned weight category. No more weight tolerance will be allowed for the second weigh-in."
Information
PT Usha shocked and disappointed with CAS ruling
As per ANI, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed her 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).