The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her appeal against her disqualification from the 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics 2024. In a detailed 24-page verdict, CAS described the United World Wrestling’s (UWW) rules for punishing athletes who fail the second-day weigh-in as “draconian” but ultimately upheld the decision to disqualify Phogat.
Phogat had cleared the weigh-in process on the first day of her event but was found 100gm overweight on the second day, the day of her gold medal bout. As per UWW rules, wrestlers must clear the weigh-in on both days of the competition. While the UWW allows a 2kg weight tolerance in many international competitions, there is no such buffer at the Olympics.
In her appeal, Phogat argued that she should be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semifinals but was promoted to the summit clash following her disqualification. However, CAS dismissed her appeal, stating that it was Phogat’s responsibility to ensure she was under the permissible limit during both days of the competition.
CAS acknowledged that the consequences of failing the second weigh-in were severe, but it emphasized that Phogat had voluntarily entered the 50kg weight category and was aware of the weight requirements. The court also noted that Phogat had previously competed under the UWW rules and had not raised any concerns about the weight requirements.
Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympics was a major disappointment for India, as she had become the first Indian woman wrestler to qualify for an Olympic final. Her stunning victory over legendary Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki had raised hopes of a medal, but her disqualification shattered those dreams.
Despite the CAS ruling, Phogat has received a hero’s welcome upon her return to India. Her performance at the Olympics has inspired many young wrestlers and demonstrated her resilience and determination.
