NEW DELHI: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal for an Olympic silver medal following her disqualification from the women's 50 kg final in Paris has been dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Phogat, who was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams, expressed her distress in a cryptic Instagram post following the announcement.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), originally expecting the verdict on August 13th, expressed shock and disappointment at the CAS decision. Maintaining their support for Phogat, the IOA is determined to explore all legal avenues to ensure her case is heard and justice is served.
The IOA's statement highlighted the significant implications of the CAS ruling, emphasizing the need for a deeper examination of the rules surrounding weight discrepancies in wrestling.
They argue that a 100-gram difference resulting in complete disqualification warrants further scrutiny, especially considering the immense physiological and psychological pressures athletes, particularly women, face.
The IOA believes the current regulations lack empathy and fail to consider the athletes' well-being. They are advocating for more equitable and reasonable standards within the sport.
This situation stems from Phogat's disqualification prior to her gold medal match against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States. Deemed 100 grams over the 50kg weight limit, Phogat was disqualified, prompting her appeal for the silver medal. The emotional toll of the disqualification led Phogat to announce her retirement from wrestling in an Instagram post on August 8th.
While Hildebrandt went on to win gold against Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, the focus remains on the controversial disqualification and the IOA's commitment to supporting Phogat in her pursuit of justice.
Vinesh is scheduled to return home from Paris on August 17.
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