Vinesh Phogat's CAS Appeal for Silver Medal Awaits Verdict

Vinesh Phogat’s CAS Appeal for Silver Medal Awaits Verdict

India’s Olympic campaign in Paris concluded with six medals, but the nation eagerly awaits a potential seventh that could match their Tokyo Games record. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on behalf of wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the gold-medal bout in the women’s 50kg freestyle event due to being 100 grams overweight.

Vinesh’s team presented their case to CAS, arguing that her weight gain was due to the distance between the competition venue and the Athletes Village, as well as the tight schedule between bouts. They emphasized that the excess weight did not provide her with any competitive advantage and was a result of natural recovery processes.

Vinesh’s legal team also invoked the principle of proportionality, arguing that the consequences of her disqualification were disproportionate to the minor weight excess. They highlighted her hard work and the silver medal she earned through her performance.

Despite criticism of the IOA medical team, the association has expressed unwavering support for Vinesh. IOA President PT Usha stated that the association considers it their duty to back her.

The CAS is expected to announce its verdict on Vinesh’s plea on August 13. If successful, India could match their best-ever Olympic medal tally of seven.

IOA Clarifies Weight Management Responsibility for Athletes in Paris Olympics

IOA Clarifies Weight Management Responsibility for Athletes in Paris Olympics

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has clarified that the responsibility for weight management of athletes in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo lies with the individual athletes and their coaches, not with the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team.

IOA President Dr. PT Usha emphasized that each Indian athlete participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in these sports has their own support team that has been working with them for years. These teams include nutritionists and physiotherapists who are responsible for monitoring and managing the athletes’ weight.

The IOA appointed a medical team a few months ago primarily to assist in the recovery and injury management of athletes during and after competitions. This team was also intended to support athletes who did not have their own team of medical professionals.

Dr. Usha condemned the hate directed at the IOA medical team, particularly Dr. Pardiwala, and urged those criticizing the team to consider all the facts before making judgments.

This clarification comes after Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg final at the Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit. Phogat has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to award her the silver medal.

CAS has extended the deadline for delivering its verdict on Phogat’s appeal to Tuesday, August 13. The ad hoc division of CAS has granted the sole arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett, additional time to consider the case.

Reacting to the extension, Vinesh Phogat’s uncle, Mahavir Phogat, expressed his patience and willingness to accept the decision whenever it is announced.

Following her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. She had achieved significant success in her career, including two World Championships bronze medals, an Asian Games gold medal, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Dream Ends in Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Dream Ends in Heartbreak

Vinesh Phogat’s illustrious wrestling career came to an abrupt and heartbreaking end at the World Wrestling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia. The 29-year-old, who has been a dominant force in the sport for over a decade, was disqualified from the final due to being 100 grams overweight.

Phogat had qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 in the 50kg weight category, having dropped down from her usual 53kg. She faced a daunting task in her opening bout against defending champion Yui Susaki, who had been unbeaten since 2010. However, Phogat pulled off a dramatic 3-2 victory, leaving her in tears of joy.

She continued her impressive run by defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach in the quarter-final and Cuba’s Yusneylys Guzman in the semi-final. But her hopes of a gold medal were dashed when she failed to make weight for the final.

Phogat’s disqualification sent shockwaves through the wrestling community. She immediately announced her retirement, citing the incident as the final straw in a series of setbacks. Last year, she had been involved in protests against the former chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Singh.

Former Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra expressed his sympathy for Phogat, but emphasized the importance of adhering to the rules of the sport. “Sport is always governed by rules,” he said. “If you don’t govern sport by rules then there is no sport.”

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) was scheduled to give its verdict on Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal on Saturday, but the decision has been postponed.

Phogat’s disqualification marks a sad end to a remarkable career. She has won two World Championship bronze medals, three Commonwealth Games gold medals, and multiple medals in Asian Games and Asian Championships. Her determination and fighting spirit have inspired countless young wrestlers in India.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Medal Hopes Hang in Balance as CAS Verdict Delayed

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal Hopes Hang in Balance as CAS Verdict Delayed

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic medal hopes remain in limbo as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has postponed its verdict on her appeal against disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics 2024. The ad-hoc division of CAS will now announce its decision on August 13.

Phogat, who was the favorite for gold, was disqualified after being found overweight by 100 grams during the weigh-in on Wednesday morning ahead of the final. She appealed to CAS for a joint silver medal alongside Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to the Indian but was promoted to the final as her replacement.

Amid the wait, Phogat has received support from fellow Olympians, including Neeraj Chopra, who won silver in men’s javelin throw in Paris. Chopra expressed hope for a positive outcome but also voiced concerns about the public’s memory if the decision goes against Phogat.

“If she gets the medal, it would be very good. If things had not panned out the way they did, she would have had the medal. I hope she gets it because if you don’t have it around your neck, that thing stays in your heart,” Chopra said.

“Today people might say that she is our champion but, I feel till the time one is not on the podium they will forget after a few days. Mujhe yeh darr hai bas. Agar aisa na hota, a medal wouldn’t have mattered. So, I hope she gets the medal. I just hope whether she gets the medal or not, people don’t forget what she did for the country,” he added.

Phogat’s disqualification has sparked controversy, with many questioning the fairness of the weigh-in process. The Indian wrestler has maintained that she was within the weight limit and that the scales used were inaccurate.

The CAS verdict on August 13 will determine whether Phogat will receive a silver medal or remain without an Olympic medal. The outcome will have a significant impact on her legacy and the perception of the weigh-in process in wrestling.

Indian Wrestling Contingent in Crisis at Paris Olympics

Indian Wrestling Contingent in Crisis at Paris Olympics

The Indian wrestling contingent at the Paris Olympics has been rocked by a series of unfortunate events, leaving the camp in a state of panic.

On Friday, Aman Sehrawat, who won bronze in the men’s 57kg category, lost nearly five kilos in just 10 hours before his medal bout. This drastic weight loss left him physically weakened and unable to perform at his best.

Meanwhile, Antim Panghal, one of India’s medal prospects in wrestling, has revealed that she resorted to extreme measures to pass the weigh-in ahead of her opening bout. Panghal starved herself for 48 hours straight, consuming only minimal amounts of water. This left her body dehydrated and without any energy for her match, resulting in a humiliating 0-10 loss.

Panghal’s situation was exacerbated by the fact that her dietician, her sister Nisha, was not officially part of the Indian contingent and was not allowed inside the Olympic village. This left Panghal to manage her weight loss on her own, leading to her drastic decision to starve herself.

The most devastating blow came on Saturday when Vinesh Phogat, India’s usual candidate in the women’s 53kg freestyle category, was disqualified from the final after being found overweight during the weigh-in. Phogat, who had become the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, was 100 grams over the permissible limit.

Heartbroken, Phogat initially announced her retirement from the sport but later appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for a joint silver medal. The CAS is yet to make a decision on her appeal.

These incidents have raised serious concerns about the well-being of Indian wrestlers and the lack of support they are receiving from the authorities. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has expressed its support for Phogat’s appeal to the CAS, but it remains to be seen whether the court will rule in her favor.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Journey: Weight Management and Missed Opportunities

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Journey: Weight Management and Missed Opportunities

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Journey: A Tale of Weight Management and Missed Opportunities

As the Paris Olympic Games approached, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced a significant challenge: competing in the 50kg category instead of her preferred 53kg weight class. This decision stemmed from the fact that Antim Panghal had secured the lone 53kg spot for India at the 2023 World Championships.

Phogat had been wrestling in the 53kg category for several years and had even undergone ACL surgery in August 2022, which sidelined her for a few months. During this time, Panghal seized the opportunity to claim the Olympic quota for India in the 53kg weight class.

Despite her desire to compete in the 53kg category, Phogat’s request for a trial was not granted by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). The federation conducted trials for the Asian Championships and Asian Olympic Qualifiers in March, but the final trials were not held due to concerns from quota-winning wrestlers that it would disrupt their Olympic preparations.

In the trials, Phogat participated in both the 50kg and 53kg categories. She won the trials in the 50kg category, earning the right to compete at the Asian Olympic Qualifiers in Bishkek. She also achieved her target of reaching the top four in the 53kg category, which would have allowed her to challenge Panghal for the Olympic spot.

However, the final trials were not held, and the WFI selection committee decided to send the respective quota-winners to their categories. This meant that Phogat was unable to challenge Panghal for the 53kg spot and had to settle for competing in the 50kg category.

The decision to compete in the 50kg category was a significant challenge for Phogat, who had to manage her weight carefully to meet the lower weight limit. It remains a question of speculation whether Phogat would have been able to secure a medal in the 53kg category, where she had more experience and comfort.

Vinesh Phogat's Silver Medal Appeal Concludes at CAS Hearing

Vinesh Phogat’s Silver Medal Appeal Concludes at CAS Hearing

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s quest for a silver medal at the Paris Olympics took a significant step forward as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad-hoc division concluded its hearing on her appeal. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed optimism for a favorable outcome.

Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final after weighing in 100 grams over the permissible limit. The American wrestler, Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, subsequently won the gold medal. Phogat appealed for a joint silver medal, arguing that the weight discrepancy was unintentional and did not affect her performance.

The CAS ad-hoc division, established specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Phogat’s appeal. The hearing took place virtually on Friday, with Phogat represented by senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. United World Wrestling, the governing body for wrestling, also presented its case.

The IOA released a statement expressing its confidence in a positive resolution. “IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter,” said IOA president PT Usha.

Initially, reports suggested an interim order would be issued on Friday, but no official communication has been made yet. The IOA stated that the Sole Arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC, indicated that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, followed by a detailed order with reasons.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach acknowledged Phogat’s plea but raised concerns about setting precedents. “Where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don’t give it anymore?” he said.

Phogat’s appeal has garnered widespread attention and support in India. The wrestling community and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the CAS hearing, hoping for a just resolution that recognizes Phogat’s hard work and dedication.

IOC President Questions Concessions on Weight Limits in Vinesh Phogat Case

IOC President Questions Concessions on Weight Limits in Vinesh Phogat Case

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed empathy for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s situation but emphasized the importance of adhering to rules. Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling gold medal match after being found overweight by 100 grams.

Bach acknowledged the human element in Phogat’s predicament, stating that he understands her perspective. However, he stressed that the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) has the responsibility to enforce its regulations. He questioned the extent to which concessions can be made without compromising the integrity of the sport.

Bach raised concerns about the potential implications of allowing exceptions to weight limits. He pointed out that in track events, where results are often determined by fractions of a second, a 100-gram weight difference could have a significant impact. He emphasized the need for consistency and fairness in applying rules across all sports.

The IOC President also addressed the possibility of awarding two silver medals in Phogat’s case. He stated that such a decision would not be possible under the current regulations. He reiterated that the UWW’s decision must be respected.

Phogat has appealed her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Bach indicated that the IOC will abide by the CAS verdict. However, he emphasized that the UWW’s interpretation of its rules must be taken into account.

Bach’s comments highlight the delicate balance between compassion and the need to maintain the integrity of sporting competitions. While he expressed sympathy for Phogat’s situation, he also emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations.

India's Paris Olympics Journey: Triumphs, Disappointments, and Controversies

India’s Paris Olympics Journey: Triumphs, Disappointments, and Controversies

The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a rollercoaster of emotions for India, with both triumphs and disappointments. The Indian contingent has secured five medals so far, including four bronze and one silver. However, there have been some near misses and controversies that have left a bittersweet taste.

One of the most heartbreaking moments came in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final, where Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight. This shattered her hopes of a medal and left the Indian contingent in shock.

Another disappointment came in badminton, where India’s medal hopes were pinned on Lakshya Sen. However, he lost the bronze medal match, leaving India without a medal in the sport. This led to criticism from former badminton player Prakash Padukone, who called on the players to take responsibility for their losses.

However, this statement sparked a debate, with some players criticizing Padukone for blaming Lakshya. Olympics Expert Tejaswin Shankar argued that coaches should also take responsibility for their players’ performances.

Despite these setbacks, India has had some notable successes. Neeraj Chopra won a silver medal in the men’s javelin throw, becoming the first Indian to win an Olympic medal in athletics since 1900. The Indian women’s hockey team also made history by reaching the semifinals for the first time.

The Paris Olympics 2024 have been a testament to the resilience and determination of the Indian athletes. While there have been disappointments, there have also been moments of triumph. The Indian contingent will continue to strive for success in the remaining events, hoping to add to their medal tally and make the nation proud.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Blames WFI

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Blames WFI

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Kripa Shankar Blames WFI

Former Indian wrestler Kripa Shankar has expressed his disappointment over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being overweight. Vinesh, who was set to compete in the gold medal match on Wednesday, was disqualified for being a few grams overweight on the morning of her 50kg bout.

Shankar, a former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, believes that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is to blame for not implementing the practice of taking weights twice during national events. He claims that Vinesh did not have any prior experience of giving her weight twice during an event.

“I don’t think Vinesh ever had the experience of going for weigh-ins twice. Even in the national tournaments, there is no such criteria of taking the weights of the wrestlers twice,” Shankar told NDTV. “I had once asked the Indian wrestling body not to implement half-finished rules, but they suspended me for six years.”

Shankar also criticized the WFI for prioritizing cost-cutting over providing wrestlers with the necessary ecosystem to succeed. “I feel that the wrestling body wants to avoid extra expenditure by organizing a one-day tournament. By doing so, you are not giving the wrestlers the right ecosystem to wrestle,” he said.

According to the new rules, wrestlers must meet the weight limit on both days of competition. Vinesh was eligible to compete on Day 1 after she made the weight. However, she was found to be a kilogram overweight on Tuesday night and managed to reduce 900 grams overnight. Despite not sleeping or eating, she was unable to shed the remaining 100 grams of extra weight.

If a wrestler is found overweight, they have 25 minutes to reduce it through methods such as cycling, running, or sauna. Shankar believes that reducing weight overnight is not an easy task.

“Giving weight is such an important practice in wrestling. This might be a small thing for many, but this has cost us big time (with Vinesh’s disqualification),” Shankar said.

Vinesh’s disqualification has sparked outrage among Indian wrestling fans and raised questions about the WFI’s handling of the situation. Shankar’s comments have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the need for better support and infrastructure for Indian wrestlers.

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