The Court of Arbitration for Sport has delayed its final decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024.
Phogat, who was disqualified for being overweight after her semi-final win, is seeking a joint silver medal. In a significant development, senior advocate Haris Salve has agreed to represent her. Although the court was set to announce the verdict at 6 PM Paris time on Saturday, it has now postponed the decision to August 11.
On Saturday evening, after the expected deadline, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) issued a statement saying the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) would announce its decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal on August 11, but later corrected this to August 13.
The IOA apologized for the confusion, explaining that the initial reference to August 11 was about the submission of additional documents.
Why Was Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024?
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit in her 50 kg gold medal match. Phogat had been 100 grams over the allowed weight, which led to her disqualification. Consequently, she was no longer eligible for the silver medal, leaving only the gold and bronze medals available in the 50 kg category.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced with regret that Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the women’s wrestling 50kg class. They said that despite the team’s efforts overnight, Phogat was slightly over the 50kg limit when she weighed in that morning.
It is with regret that the Indian contingent shares news of the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the Women’s Wrestling 50kg class. Despite the best efforts by the team through the night, she weighed in a few grams over 50kg this morning. No further comments will be made.
The IOA added that no more comments would be made for now and asked for privacy for Phogat as the team focuses on the ongoing events.
Phogat was eligible to compete on the opening day but weighed just over 50kg on Wednesday morning. According to wrestling rules, if a wrestler fails the weigh-in on any competition day, including preliminaries, repechage, or finals, they are disqualified from the event.
Vinesh Phogat and the Wrestling Federation Controversy
Vinesh Phogat has been a prominent figure in nationwide protests against the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI).
In January 2023, Phogat ran a protest alongside other wrestlers, demanding action over sexual harassment allegations against WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh. The government responded by promising to form an oversight committee, which led to a temporary halt in the protests.
However, in April 2023, the protests resumed due to perceived government inaction. Phogat alleged that she faced harassment, mistreatment, and threats after reporting the issues to Prime Minister Modi and Sports Minister Anurag Thakur.
Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Journey
Vinesh Phogat’s path to the Olympics has been marked by both significant achievements and challenges. After suffering a serious injury at the Rio 2016 Games, she made a strong comeback, winning gold medals at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.
In 2019, she moved up to the 53kg weight class and earned a bronze medal at the World Wrestling Championships, securing her spot for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Heading into Tokyo, Vinesh was in peak form, having remained undefeated throughout the year and securing gold at the 2021 Asian Championships. However, she faced a setback at the Olympics, losing to Belarus’ Vanesa Kaladzinskaya and failing to advance further.
Later, Vinesh disclosed that she was not in optimal physical or mental condition during the Games and underwent elbow surgery shortly thereafter.
Heading into the 2024 Paris Olympics, Vinesh Phogat faced a setback as she was disqualified for being overweight after her semi-final victory. She is now seeking a joint silver medal in light of the disqualification.
Vinesh Phogat Major Career Highlights
Vinesh Phogat has not only represented India in numerous international competitions but has also been actively involved in driving change within the country.
Year | Event | Medal |
2013 | Asian Wrestling Championships | Bronze |
2013 | Commonwealth Wrestling Championships | Silver |
2014 | Commonwealth Games | Gold |
2014 | Asian Games | Bronze |
2015 | Asian Championships | Silver |
2016 | Summer Olympics | 10th Rank |
2018 | Asian Games | Gold |
2018 | Commonwealth Games | Gold |
2019 | Asian Wrestling Championships | Bronze |
2019 | Yasar Dogu International | Gold |
2019 | Poland Open | Gold |
2019 | World Wrestling Championships | Bronze |
2020 | Rome Ranking Series | Gold |
2021 | Outstanding Ukrainian Wrestlers and Coaches Memorial | Gold |
2021 | Matteo Pellicone Ranking Series | Gold |
2021 | Poland Open | Gold |
2021 | Summer Olympics | 9th Rank |
2022 | Commonwealth Games | Gold |
2022 | World Wrestling Championships | Bronze |
Vinesh Phogat Awards And Honors
Awards/Honor | Year |
Arjuna Award | 2016 |
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna | 2020 |
Commonwealth Games Gold Medal | 2014, 2018 |
Asian Games Gold Medal | 2018 |
Asian Wrestling Championships (Gold) | 2021 |
World Wrestling Championships (Bronze) | 2019, 2021 |
Padma Shri | 2020 |
Vinesh Phogat's Struggles and Overcoming Challenges
Societal Pressures
Growing up in a conservative environment, Vinesh Phogat encountered significant societal pressure and gender biases. Wrestling, a sport traditionally dominated by men, posed numerous challenges for a young girl aiming to excel.
Financial Constraints
In the early stages of her career, Vinesh faced financial difficulties. Limited resources and poor training facilities made preparation tough. Nevertheless, her family’s steadfast support helped her access the training she needed.
Injuries
Injuries have played a major role in Vinesh’s journey. A severe knee injury at the Rio Olympics was a major setback, but her recovery and return to form showcased her resilience and determination.
Mental Health
Vinesh has also grappled with mental health challenges, especially after significant injuries and setbacks. Her ability to navigate these difficulties and maintain high-level performance highlights her mental strength.