Vinesh Phogat Fights Olympic Disqualification, Requests Joint Silver in CAS

Updated: Thursday, August 8, 2024, 2:30 [IST]

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has contested her disqualification from the 50kg category Olympic finals. She was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the morning weigh-in. Vinesh has approached the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to demand a joint silver medal.

Vinesh Appeals for Olympic Silver — Representative image

An Indian Olympic Association (IOA) source confirmed this development. "Yes, we got to know about it. It has been done by her team," said the source. Vinesh's disqualification came after she was found overweight, which led to severe dehydration due to extreme measures she took to meet the weight requirement.

Appeal Process and CAS Involvement

The CAS has set up an ad-hoc division for resolving disputes arising during the Olympic Games or within ten days before the Opening Ceremony. The matter will be addressed on Thursday morning. The rules for admission of cases at CAS require claimants to exhaust all internal remedies available under the sports body's regulations unless time constraints make this ineffective.

Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh in the semifinals, replaced her in the final against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt won the bout, securing gold, while Vinesh hopes CAS will award her a joint silver medal with Lopez.

United World Wrestling's Stance

The international governing body for wrestling, United World Wrestling (UWW), has informed the IOA that the current weigh-in rule leading to Vinesh's disqualification cannot be altered at this time. Despite this, Vinesh is pursuing her appeal through CAS.

Vinesh had made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach the gold medal bout in her category on Tuesday night. She was guaranteed at least a silver medal before her disqualification.

The situation highlights the stringent rules and regulations athletes must adhere to during competitions and the lengths they go to meet these requirements. The outcome of Vinesh's appeal will be closely watched by many in the sports community.