The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has expressed shock and disappointment after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg event at the Paris Olympics. The CAS decision, announced on August 14, upheld the ruling in favor of United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), delivering a major setback to Phogat’s Olympic aspirations.
Vinesh Phogat’s appeal stemmed from her disqualification from the Olympic final due to being overweight by just 100 grams. The IOA, led by President PT Usha, criticized the “inhumane” regulations that resulted in Phogat’s exclusion, arguing that they fail to consider the immense physiological and psychological pressures faced by athletes, especially women. The IOA’s official statement highlighted the harshness of the rules and their profound impact on Phogat’s career and the broader sporting community.
Phogat had sought a shared silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom she defeated in the semi-finals. Lopez was promoted to the final after Phogat’s disqualification, where American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt ultimately claimed the gold.
The IOA is now exploring further legal avenues to challenge the CAS decision, standing firmly in support of Phogat. The association stressed the need for fair and humane standards in sports, vowing to continue its fight for justice and the protection of athletes’ rights and dignity.
