The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delivered its final verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s weight case, dismissing her petition. Phogat had filed the petition after being disqualified from the women’s freestyle 50kg event at the Paris Olympics 2024 for exceeding the prescribed weight limit by 100 grams. The disqualification resulted in her being stripped of the silver medal she was assured of.
Phogat’s petition to CAS sought to overturn her disqualification and request a joint silver medal. However, the court has upheld the decision of the International Wrestling Federation (UWW), which disqualified her for failing to meet the weight criteria.
The verdict has sparked mixed reactions on social media. Some have expressed disappointment over the decision, while others have shown support for Phogat. The wrestler’s supporters have highlighted her dedication and hard work in preparing for the Olympics, including limiting her food and water intake, running and jogging for hours, and even cutting her hair and shortening her clothes to meet the weight requirements.
Vinesh Phogat is a renowned Indian wrestler with a strong wrestling heritage. She is a three-time Olympian and has won two World Championships bronze medals, one Asian Games gold medal, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. Phogat’s disqualification has raised questions about the fairness of the weight criteria in wrestling and the challenges faced by female athletes in meeting these standards.
The CAS decision has also brought attention to the issue of gender bias in sports. Phogat’s disqualification has been compared to similar incidents involving male wrestlers who have been allowed to compete despite exceeding the weight limit. This has led to accusations of double standards and a lack of equal treatment for female athletes.
The verdict is a setback for Phogat’s Olympic aspirations, but it is also an opportunity for the wrestling community to reflect on the weight criteria and the challenges faced by female athletes. It remains to be seen whether the decision will lead to changes in the sport or if it will continue to be a source of controversy.
