CAS dismisses Vinesh Phogat’s petition for a joint silver medal

IOA criticized the ruling as a reflection of inhumane regulations

IOA pledged to support Phogat and explore additional legal avenues

In a disappointing turn of events for Indian wrestling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has dismissed Vinesh Phogat’s petition for a joint silver medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The CAS announced on August 14 that Phogat’s application, filed on August 7, has been rejected. The initial ruling confirmed her disqualification from the women’s 50kg wrestling final due to a 100-gram excess over the weight limit during the weigh-in.

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Phogat had sought arbitration from CAS, an organization established in 1984 to resolve sports-related disputes, to award her a shared silver medal after her disqualification. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President, PT Usha, expressed profound disappointment over the decision, emphasizing its far-reaching implications for Phogat and the broader sporting community.

The IOA criticized the ruling as a reflection of stringent and, potentially, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the unique stresses faced by athletes. They called for a more thorough examination of the case and highlighted the need for fairer standards that consider athletes’ well-being.

The IOA pledged to support Phogat and explore additional legal avenues to challenge the decision, reaffirming their commitment to justice and fairness in sports.