The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is “exploring further legal options” after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s plea for a silver medal in the women’s 50kg event at the Paris Olympics.
“The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August has been dismissed,” CAS said in a statement on Wednesday. (CAS rejects Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for silver medal at Paris 2024 Olympics – Report)
Following the verdict, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed shock and disappointment over the decision of the Sole Arbitrator of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to dismiss wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s petition against United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), according to an official statement by the IOA.
“In light of the CAS order, the IOA continues to fully support Ms. Phogat and is exploring other legal options,” the IOA said in its statement. (Real Madrid vs Atalanta live stream: when and where to watch Kylian Mbappé’s UEFA Super Cup 2024 football match live on TV, mobile apps, online)
The IOA, in its statement, added that it is “committed to ensuring that Vinesh’s case is heard. We will continue to advocate for justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and all those involved in sport are respected at all times. We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes and the public.”
Vinesh was disqualified before the women’s 50kg final due to exceeding the 50kg weight limit on August 7. During the weigh-in, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit. She was scheduled to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal. Following her disqualification, she filed an appeal to be awarded the silver medal in the 50kg category.
“The operative part of the August 14 decision, which rejects Vinesh’s request to be awarded a shared silver medal in the women’s 50kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community in general,” the IOA said in its statement.
The IOA further stated that the outright disqualification of an athlete for a marginal discrepancy of 100 grams requires further scrutiny and raises questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation.
“The marginal discrepancy of 100 grams and the resulting consequences have a profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh’s career, but also raise serious questions about the ambiguous rules and their interpretation,” IOA said.
“The IOA strongly believes that the outright disqualification of an athlete for such a weight violation on the second of two days warrants further scrutiny. Our legal representatives have duly raised this in their submissions to the Sole Referee,” the IOA added in its statement.
The IOA said the incident revolving around Vinesh’s case highlights “inhumane regulations” that fail to take into account the physiological and psychological stress experienced by athletes, particularly female athletes.
“The Vinesh case highlights the strict and possibly inhumane standards that fail to take into account the physiological and psychological stress experienced by athletes, particularly women. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritise athlete welfare,” the IOA added.
IOA extended its full support to Vinesh and confirmed that further legal options are being explored to ensure that Vinesh’s case is heard, it added.
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