The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled against Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics final, upholding the strict weight regulations. The CAS, in a detailed decision published on Monday, stated that no exceptions to the weight limit are permitted under any circumstances.
The decision stems from Vinesh’s disqualification on the morning of the women’s 50kg freestyle final for being 100 grams overweight. This triggered a strong reaction from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and prompted Vinesh’s appeal.
In her appeal, Vinesh argued that a small excess weight, attributed to factors such as drinking water and water retention, particularly during the pre-menstrual phase, should be tolerated. The CAS, however, remained resolute in its stance, citing the clear and unambiguous nature of the weight limit rules, which apply equally to all participants. The rules, according to the CAS, do not allow for any tolerance, even for the weight of the singlet.
The 29-year-old wrestler’s disqualification led to the Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez being promoted to the final, where she lost to American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, who claimed the gold medal. Vinesh’s appeal, which was postponed three times, sought a joint silver medal for her.
The CAS’s decision emphasizes the strict adherence to weight regulations in Olympic wrestling, leaving Vinesh’s bid for a medal in Paris shattered. The ruling highlights the importance of athletes ensuring they remain within the stipulated weight limits, leaving no room for exceptions, no matter the circumstances.
