Vinesh Phogat Challenges Olympic Disqualification; Verdict Expected After 5 PM

Vinesh Phogat Appeals Disqualification at Olympics: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) challenging her disqualification from the women's 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024. This appeal follows her exclusion from the final after being just 100 grams over the weight limit. Phogat had previously won her semi-final match with a 5-0 score and was the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.

Report suggests  that Vinesh is requesting a silver medal as a resolution. CAS has requested time until the morning of Thursday, 8 August, to deliver its final decision. If CAS rules in her favor, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) would be required to award her a joint silver medal.

About CAS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is an independent institution established in 1984 to handle sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS also operates courts in New York City and Sydney, with temporary courts set up in Olympic host cities.

CAS functions independently from sports organizations and is overseen by the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS). It handles sports-related legal disputes through arbitration, and its decisions are as binding as court judgments. Additionally, CAS offers mediation services to help resolve disputes peacefully.

Typically, arbitration panels consist of three arbitrators: each party selects one, and the third is chosen by the President of the relevant division. In certain situations, a single arbitrator might be assigned. CAS’s decisions are conclusive, with only limited appeals allowed to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland. The institution is vital for settling disputes within the global sports community, providing a specialized platform for these matters.

Reason for Vinesh’s Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics because she was 100 grams over the weight limit of 50kg on the morning of her final match. This disqualification was a major disappointment for many Indians who had hoped for their first gold medal in Paris.

The disqualification highlighted issues related to weight-cutting techniques in combat sports. Reports indicate that Vinesh worked intensely to shed the 2.7kg she had gained since the semi-finals. Despite efforts including sauna sessions and attempts to cut weight by altering her clothing, she was unable to meet the 50kg limit, resulting in her disqualification.