Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification Raises Questions About UWW Rules and Indian Support

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification Raises Questions About UWW Rules and Indian Support

In the aftermath of Vinesh Phogat’s controversial disqualification from the Paris Olympics, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling has raised questions about the fairness and validity of the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules.

CAS arbitrator Annabelle Bennett acknowledged the “cryptic” nature of the second-day weigh-in list that disqualified Vinesh and criticized the “infelicitous” language of the UWW rules. She also deemed the consequences of the failed weigh-in as “draconian,” suggesting a more equitable solution could have been to eliminate Vinesh from the round she was ineligible for, rather than punishing her for rounds she had already competed in.

However, Bennett noted that the validity or reasoning behind the UWW’s rules was not challenged before CAS. This raises concerns about the lack of scrutiny given to the rules that ultimately led to Vinesh’s disqualification.

The UWW’s rules have been criticized for being loosely drafted and inconsistent. At the Paris Olympics, the team leader guide cited outdated rules, highlighting the need for clearer and more transparent regulations.

The article also questions the delayed legal response from Indian authorities to Vinesh’s disqualification. Despite the urgency of the situation, it took over eight hours for the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to file a legal protest. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of the support system for Indian athletes at major sporting events.

Furthermore, the official Paris 2024 website and UWW’s final results book offer conflicting information about Vinesh’s absence from the brackets ladder. This lack of clarity adds to the confusion surrounding her disqualification.

The CAS ruling and subsequent analysis have highlighted the need for a thorough review of the UWW’s rules and the support mechanisms for Indian athletes. It remains to be seen whether the IOA or the Ministry of Sports will pursue further legal recourse or take steps to address the concerns raised by Vinesh’s disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Silver Medal Appeal: CAS Verdict Looms

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Silver Medal Appeal: CAS Verdict Looms

The Paris Olympics may have concluded, but the drama surrounding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification continues. On Tuesday, August 13, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) will deliver its verdict on Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal.

Phogat’s disqualification stemmed from her failure to meet the weight limit for the women’s 50kg freestyle final. Despite becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, she was barred from competing after being found overweight by 100 grams.

Phogat, backed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), appealed to the CAS, arguing that the excess weight was due to the distance between the competition venue and the Games Village, as well as the tight schedule between her bouts. They also claimed that the 100-gram weight difference provided no competitive advantage.

However, the United World Wrestling (UWW) has maintained that it adhered to the rules of the competition and that there will be no major overhaul in the weigh-in rules.

Despite the UWW’s stance, a loophole in the rulebook has emerged that Phogat could potentially exploit. According to the rules for the repechage round, athletes who lost to the eventual finalists are eligible for a second chance to compete for the bronze medal. In the women’s 50kg category, Yui Susaki, who lost to Phogat in the opening bout, competed in the repechage round and won a bronze medal.

This raises the question of why Susaki was allowed to compete in the repechage round if Phogat was ranked last following her disqualification. By allowing Susaki to compete, the UWW indirectly indicated that Phogat was a finalist, contradicting their own rules.

Irrespective of the CAS verdict, the case is likely to continue for weeks or months, as either side is expected to re-appeal.

Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW for Anti-Doping Violation

Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW for Anti-Doping Violation

Bajrang Punia, India’s star wrestler and Tokyo Olympic medalist, has been provisionally suspended by the United World Wrestling (UWW) for an alleged anti-doping rule violation. The suspension stems from an incident on March 10, when Punia refused to provide a sample after the selection trials in Sonepat.

The National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) issued a notice to Punia on April 23, requesting a response by May 7. In his defense, Punia released a video on social media, questioning NADA’s use of an expired sample collection kit in December.

Punia’s lawyer, Vidhuspat Singhania, confirmed that they had submitted a reply to NADA’s notice on May 7. However, he expressed unawareness of the UWW suspension.

According to UWW records, Punia’s suspension will remain in effect until December 31, 2024. The suspension is based on NADA’s provisional suspension for an alleged anti-doping rule violation.

Provisional suspensions by anti-doping authorities apply to all competitions, both domestic and international, until the charges are resolved. International federations typically do not issue separate suspensions in such cases.

The hearing in Punia’s case has yet to commence. However, UWW rules allow for provisional suspensions in cases of anti-doping rule violations that do not involve an adverse analytical finding or a final hearing.

Punia’s suspension is a significant setback for his Olympic aspirations. He failed to qualify for the two Olympic qualifiers after losing in the Sonepat trials. India has yet to secure an Olympic berth in the 65kg weight class, which will be contested by Sujeet Kalkal in the ongoing World Qualifiers.

If Punia is ultimately banned for refusing to provide a sample, his Olympic dreams will be shattered.

In a separate development, NADA has withdrawn a notice of “three whereabouts failures” against Punia. Singhania clarified that the notice was issued in error and that it had been retracted.

Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW, SAI Sanctions Training Despite NADA Ban

Bajrang Punia Suspended by UWW, SAI Sanctions Training Despite NADA Ban

Wrestling’s governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW), has suspended Bajrang Punia until December 31, 2024, following the National Anti-Doping Agency’s (NADA) provisional suspension for refusing a dope test. Despite this, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has sanctioned nearly Rs 9 lakh for Punia’s training abroad, despite being aware of NADA’s order.

Punia, a Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, was suspended by NADA on April 23 after failing to provide a sample for testing. He claims he did not refuse to give a sample but questioned the use of expired kits.

The UWW has updated its system to reflect Punia’s suspension, stating that he is suspended until December 31, 2024, for an alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violation (ADRV).

Despite the suspension, SAI approved Punia’s proposal for training in Dagestan, Russia, from May 28. The proposal included travel expenses for his strength and conditioning coach and sparring partner.

SAI officials have not responded to requests for an explanation for the decision to sanction Punia’s training. Punia confirmed that he had submitted a proposal to SAI but has since canceled his training plans.

In the same meeting, SAI also sanctioned training expenses for Sarita Mor and Anshu Malik. Mor will train in the USA, while Malik will train in Japan.

If the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) holds a final selection event, Mor will need to win to challenge Anshu Malik, who has already secured an Olympic quota in the women’s 57kg category.

UWW Warns of Suspension for WFI and Indian Wrestlers Amid Government Interference

UWW Warns of Suspension for WFI and Indian Wrestlers Amid Government Interference

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) faces the threat of another suspension from the United World Wrestling (UWW) due to ongoing government interference. Ten days after the sports ministry informed the Delhi High Court that it would not recognize or support WFI, UWW has issued a stern warning.

In a letter signed by UWW president Nenad Lalovic, the global governing body expressed its determination to uphold WFI’s independence and autonomy. UWW stated that if the government imposes an ad hoc committee to oversee WFI’s affairs, it would have no choice but to re-impose a temporary suspension on the federation. This suspension could extend to Indian wrestlers, potentially affecting their participation in the final Olympic Games Qualifying Tournament in May.

The UWW ban would also draw the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which may consider further action. This comes after WFI appointed an Athletes Commission in accordance with UWW’s demand, with former Commonwealth Games gold medalist Narsingh Yadav elected as chairman.

UWW had previously suspended WFI in August 2023 due to delays in holding elections. The ban was lifted in February, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) reinstated WFI. However, the sports ministry has maintained its suspension since December 2023.

In an affidavit filed with the Delhi High Court, the ministry stated that it would review the suspension only after visible improvement in WFI’s governance. The ministry also declared that any national championships or competitions organized by WFI would be considered unsanctioned and unrecognised.

WFI officials have expressed concern over the government’s interference, emphasizing the need for autonomy. They have pointed out that UWW’s potential ban on wrestlers would be unprecedented in Indian history.

Meanwhile, Indian wrestlers’ performance has been a cause for concern. At the recent Asian Olympic Qualifiers, only three female wrestlers secured quotas, while the male wrestlers failed to qualify.

WFI to Operate Independently if Suspension Not Lifted

WFI to Operate Independently if Suspension Not Lifted

The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) has resolved to operate independently of government funding if its suspension is not lifted. This decision was made at a Special General Meeting (SGM) held in Noida after the United World Wrestling (UWW) lifted its suspension and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) dissolved the ad-hoc panel managing the WFI.

The WFI’s suspension by the government stemmed from alleged rule violations during its election process. However, the UWW’s decision to lift its suspension and the IOA’s dissolution of the ad-hoc panel have paved the way for the elected office bearers to resume control.

Despite these developments, the government has yet to lift its suspension. The WFI has unanimously agreed to operate without government funding if the suspension remains in place. This would mean that the WFI would be responsible for funding wrestlers’ training, competitions, and foreign exposure trips.

The WFI has also amended its Constitution to eliminate the requirement for a two-third majority for candidates contesting elections for new posts. This amendment simplifies the election process and allows for greater flexibility in leadership selection.

Additionally, the WFI has removed the requirement for state associations to have recognition from State Olympic Committees (SOCs) for affiliation with the national body. This move aims to prevent misuse of the clause by suspended state bodies claiming legitimacy through SOC recognition.

All state bodies have been instructed to adhere to the National Sports Code in conducting elections and functioning. Age and tenure guidelines must be followed by all affiliated entities.

UWW Confirms WFI's Exclusive Authority to Select Indian Wrestling Teams

UWW Confirms WFI’s Exclusive Authority to Select Indian Wrestling Teams

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has reaffirmed the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) as its sole “affiliated member” with the exclusive authority to “elect and announce their teams” for international tournaments, including the Paris Olympics qualifiers.

In a letter to WFI President Sanjay Singh, UWW President Nenad Lalovic emphasized that the WFI is responsible for selecting and announcing teams for continental championships, world championships, Olympic Games Qualifying Tournaments, and other international events. Lalovic, who is also an IOC Executive Board Member, clarified that only UWW-affiliated national federations can register for international events.

This clarification comes after the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) ad-hoc panel was assigned the task of conducting selection trials for the Asian Olympic Games Qualifier and Asian Championships following a Delhi High Court hearing. The WFI had initially issued a notice to conduct its own selection trials, but withdrew it after the court ruled that parallel trials could not be held.

The Delhi High Court was hearing a plea filed by four protesting wrestlers, Bajrang Punia, Vinesh Phogat, Sakshi Malik, and Satyawart Kadian, who challenged the WFI’s notice. They argued that the federation had deliberately issued the notice despite being barred by the Sports Ministry from conducting championships and knowing about the ad-hoc committee’s announcement of trials.

WFI President Sanjay Singh expressed concern that the wrestlers should not suffer and that the country’s interests should be prioritized in an Olympic year. He urged the government to ensure that wrestlers have the opportunity to compete and that the best interests of the nation are served.

The trials for Greco Roman and freestyle wrestlers will be held at SAI Sonipat on March 10, while trials for women wrestlers will take place at NSNIS Patiala on March 11. The winners in the Olympic weight category will represent India in upcoming Olympic qualifiers, including the Asian Olympic Qualifiers (April 19-21) and World Olympic Qualifiers (May 9-12).

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