The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has rejected Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, citing her failure to maintain the required weight limit. Vinesh Phogat, who was set to compete in the gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg category, was disqualified after exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams on the second day of the competition.
The CAS, while delivering its verdict, underscored the importance of an athlete adhering to weight regulations. The court emphasized that it is the athlete’s responsibility to stay within the prescribed weight limits, and no relief can be granted on that front. However, the court did acknowledge that the consequences of failing to meet the weigh-in requirement on the second day were “draconian.”
The UWW (United World Wrestling) rules require wrestlers to clear weigh-ins on both days of the competition. While a 2kg weight tolerance is allowed in many international events such as the Ranking Series, no such concession exists at the Olympics. Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification came as a shock, especially after she had secured a place in the Olympic final, becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to do so. Her disqualification sparked significant discussion in the wrestling community, particularly because of her impressive victory over Yui Susaki, a legendary wrestler who had never lost an international bout before facing Vinesh Phogat.
The detailed order by the CAS, published on Monday, noted that Vinesh Phogat, an experienced wrestler, was well aware of the weight requirements. The court highlighted that she had voluntarily entered the 50kg category and had undertaken a regime to stay within the limit. The CAS also noted that Vinesh Phogat’s evidence suggested she did not have sufficient time to complete a weight loss program, not that her bodily rights were violated.
Vinesh Phogat’s appeal, which was dismissed on August 14 after three postponements, sought to have her awarded a joint silver with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was promoted to the final after Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification. The gold was ultimately won by American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
Despite the CAS ruling, Vinesh Phogat returned to India to a hero’s welcome, reflecting the immense respect and admiration she continues to command in the country.
