The world of sports holds its breath as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) prepares to deliver its verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification at the Paris Olympics. Phogat, a celebrated grappler who had reached the 50kg freestyle final with impressive wins, was shockingly barred from the gold medal bout against American Sarah Hildebrandt. The reason? She was found to be 100 grams over the prescribed weight limit during the morning weigh-in.
Devastated by the turn of events, Phogat appealed the decision at the CAS, arguing for a joint silver medal alongside Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was promoted to the final after Phogat’s disqualification. The outcome of this appeal will have a significant impact on Phogat’s Olympic legacy and the fairness of the competition.
The international wrestling community has shown overwhelming support for Phogat. Fellow athletes, including Japanese Olympic champion Rei Higuchi, American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs, and Indian sporting legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Abhinav Bindra, and Neeraj Chopra, have voiced their disappointment and advocated for a more equitable outcome. Even International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach expressed understanding for Phogat’s situation but emphasized that the CAS decision will be final.
The pressure on CAS is immense. This verdict will not only affect Phogat’s career but also set a precedent for future weight-related disputes in Olympic competitions. India’s sporting fraternity anxiously awaits the CAS decision, hoping for a resolution that honors Phogat’s remarkable achievements and upholds the spirit of fair play.
