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The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday, August 19 released an official 24-page statement on Indian wrestler, Vinesh Phogat’s appeal of a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg category at the Paris Olympics 2024. However, the CAS had announced its decision of rejecting the medal for Phogat after she was disqualified from her gold medal match due to overweighing by 100 grams. But, days after their announcement, the international body has released a lengthy statement, while calling the rules “draconian”.
In its release, the body added that it is an athlete’s responsibility to maintain the weight and no relief can be provided on the same while adding that the wrestler entered the 50kg wrestling category on her own will. “Article 7 of the Rules provides, relevantly, that each contestant is deemed to be taking part of her own free will and is responsible for herself and is entitled to compete in only one weight category, the one corresponding to her weight at the time of the official weigh-in,” the detailed CAS order 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 added.
“There is no dispute that the Applicant was above the weight limit. She gave the above evidence clearly and directly at the hearing. Her case is that the amount of excess was 100g and that a tolerance should apply as this is a small excess and explicable for reasons such as drinking water and water retention, in particular during the pre-menstrual phase,” it further read, bringing shock waves among the fans.
Moreover, the CAS called out the rules stated by the United World Wrestling (UWW) as “draconian” while clarifying that she was well within her weight limits in the prior bouts. “The consequences of the failed second weigh-in, which do not arise from any illegal or wrongful act on the part of the Applicant are, in the opinion of the Sole Arbitrator, draconian. A consequence of elimination without ranking from the round for which the Athlete was found ineligible, having been eligible for the rounds for which she competed, would seem to be a fairer solution,” the statement further added.
IOA President PT Usha expresses disappointment on CAS’ decision
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha also expressed her shock and disappointment on CAS’ decision on Vinesh Phogat’s joint silver medal appeal. “The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes' well-being,” her statement read.
“In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh's case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public,” it further added.
