CAS Explains Why Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal Against Paris Olympics Disqualification Was Rejected

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) recently issued a detailed ruling explaining the reasons behind the dismissal of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 final. The ruling emphasized that athletes are required to strictly adhere to weight limits, with no exceptions allowed under any circumstances.

Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification: A Controversial Decision

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, faced a heartbreaking disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics 2024 after being found 100 grams overweight. The decision, made on the morning of the final, led to a wave of disappointment and criticism from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). In response, Vinesh Phogat filed an appeal with the CAS, hoping to overturn the disqualification and secure a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. However, her appeal was rejected by an ad-hoc division of the CAS on August 14, following three postponements.

Vinesh Phogat's Reaction to Her Disqualification from the Paris Olympics

CAS Ruling: Strict Weight Limits and No Tolerance

On Monday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) published a comprehensive decision detailing the rationale behind the rejection of Vinesh Phogat’s appeal. The CAS ruling underscored the importance of adhering to the established weight limits, stating that no tolerance is provided for exceeding these limits, even by a small margin. The ruling read, “The problem for the Athlete is that the Rules are clear as to the weight limit and are the same for all participants. There is no tolerance provided for -– it is an upper limit. It does not even allow for the weight of the singlet. It is clearly up to an athlete to ensure that they remain below that limit.”

The CAS further noted that Vinesh Phogat herself acknowledged being above the weight limit during the hearing, although she argued that the excess of 100 grams was minimal and should be tolerated, particularly given the circumstances of water retention and pre-menstrual phase. However, the CAS maintained that the rules are non-negotiable, and all athletes are required to comply with them strictly.

Vinesh Phogat’s Request for a Joint Silver

In her appeal, Vinesh Phogat had requested to be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to Vinesh in the semifinals but was subsequently promoted to the final following Vinesh’s disqualification. The gold medal in the event was claimed by American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.

Implications of the CAS Decision

The CAS decision to uphold Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification reinforces the strict nature of the rules governing Olympic sports and highlights the importance of athletes maintaining their weight within the prescribed limits. The ruling serves as a reminder to all competitors that even a small deviation from the rules can have significant consequences, regardless of the reasons behind it.

As Indian sports fans and the broader community continue to grapple with the disappointment of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification, this case underscores the need for athletes to be meticulous in their preparations, particularly in weight-sensitive sports like wrestling.

Conclusion: Upholding the Integrity of Olympic Rules

The dismissal of Vinesh Phogat’s appeal by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) serves as a crucial reminder of the strict adherence required to Olympic rules and regulations. The ruling underscores the importance of maintaining fairness and uniformity in competitive sports, where even the slightest deviation from established guidelines can lead to significant consequences. Vinesh Phogat's case, while unfortunate, highlights the critical need for athletes to be vigilant and precise in their preparations, particularly in disciplines where weight limits are non-negotiable.

As the Indian sports community reflects on this outcome, the incident reinforces the broader principle that the integrity of sports is upheld through consistent enforcement of rules, ensuring a level playing field for all competitors. The CAS ruling, while disappointing for Vinesh and her supporters, ultimately reinforces the values of fairness and equality that are central to the Olympic spirit.