Vinesh Phogat Awaits CAS Verdict on Paris Olympics Disqualification: A Pivotal Moment for Indian Wrestling
13.08.2024: Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers, is anxiously awaiting the verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The ruling, expected on Tuesday, will determine whether Vinesh’s appeal against her disqualification due to missing the weight cut by a mere 100 grams will be upheld.
Vinesh made headlines last week by reaching the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle event after defeating Japan’s Yui Susaki, a wrestling legend. However, her journey took a heartbreaking turn when she was disqualified from the gold medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States due to a slight weight discrepancy during the morning weigh-in. This decision not only cost her a shot at the gold but also led to her opponent, Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, being promoted to the final.
In response, Vinesh appealed to the United World Wrestling (UWW), arguing that she should be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez. The controversy deepened as Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport, citing her inability to continue amidst the overwhelming support she received from sports icons globally.
Vinesh’s legal battle is being spearheaded by a team of French lawyers, including Joelle Monlouis, Estelle Ivanova, Habbine Estelle Kim, and Charles Amson, who are representing her pro bono. Additionally, senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania have joined the legal team to bolster her case.
Meanwhile, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha has come forward to defend the organization’s medical team, particularly Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, who has faced criticism in the wake of Vinesh’s disqualification. Usha emphasized that the responsibility for weight management in sports like wrestling lies with the athletes and their coaches, not the IOA’s medical team.
As Vinesh Phogat awaits the CAS verdict, the outcome will have significant implications not only for her career but also for the broader wrestling community. This decision could shape the future of Indian wrestling and the way such weight-related controversies are handled in the sport.