India was left in shock and disappointment as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. NPA
Vinesh Phogat, who had dominated the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event with three decisive victories, including a win over Japan’s Yui Susaki, was disqualified from the final bout against the United States’ Sarah Hildebrandt. The disqualification came after Vinesh was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit during the morning weigh-in.
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The unexpected disqualification prompted Phogat to appeal to CAS, seeking to be awarded a joint silver medal alongside Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had initially lost to Vinesh but was later advanced to the final following Vinesh’s disqualification. However, CAS rejected her plea, dashing hopes for a medal.
#WATCH | On Vinesh Phogat’s application dismissed by CAS | National wrestling coach Virendra Dahiya says, “We were hoping that the decision would be in our favour. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) were hoping that… pic.twitter.com/wEnsEAMlX7
— ANI (@ANI) August 14, 2024
Coach Dahiya voiced his disappointment, stating, “We were confident that the decision would be in our favor. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), the Sports Ministry, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) all believed that we had a strong case. Unfortunately, the verdict went against us, and we missed out on a gold medal opportunity.”
He further added, “Vinesh is one of India’s most respected female wrestlers. She is incredibly dedicated and hardworking. This outcome is heartbreaking for us because we deserved at least a silver. This is a clear injustice.”
In response to the verdict, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) issued an official statement expressing its support for Phogat. The IOA also announced that it is exploring legal avenues to ensure that her case is given the proper attention and consideration it deserves.
