Vinesh Phogat Appeals Disqualification From Paris 2024 Olympics, Seeks Silver Medal

Wrestler Vinesh Phogat has appealed her disqualification from the wrestling final at the Paris 2024 Olympics to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This move follows her exclusion from the women’s 50kg final after missing the weight requirement by a mere 100 grams. Phogat, who had secured a spot in the final with a 5-0 semi-final victory, was set to become the first Indian woman wrestler to compete for an Olympic gold medal.

Phogat has requested to be awarded the silver medal. The CAS is expected to deliver its verdict by the morning of Thursday, August 8. If the ruling favors Phogat, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will have to award her a joint silver medal.

What is CAS?

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

CAS operates independently of any sports organization and functions under the administrative and financial authority of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS).

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It provides binding arbitration and mediation services, with its decisions carrying the same weight as court judgments. 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 cases, a sole arbitrator may be appointed. CAS decisions can be appealed to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland under specific circumstances, making it a crucial entity in resolving international sports disputes.

Why Was Vinesh Disqualified?

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics women’s 50kg final after weighing in at 50.1kg, exceeding the eligibility limit by just 100 grams. This disqualification dashed the hopes of many Indians who were eagerly anticipating their first gold medal in Paris.

Phogat’s disqualification has spotlighted the extreme weight-cutting practices in combat sports. Reports indicate that she had gained 2.7kg after her semi-final bout and underwent intense training and sauna sessions to shed the excess weight.

India’s Chief Medical Officer, Dinshaw Pardiwala, revealed that desperate measures, including cutting Phogat’s hair and shortening her vest, were taken to meet the weight requirement. Despite these efforts, Phogat’s weight remained above the 50kg limit, leading to her disqualification.

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