Vinesh Phogat, disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 for being 100 grams over the weight limit, has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Vinesh Phogat is requesting that the Olympic silver medal be awarded to her and another to the losing semi-finalist. CAS, established in 1984 to resolve sports disputes through arbitration, will deliver its verdict on Thursday.
Following her disqualification, USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt will face Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the final. Phogat had previously defeated Lopez in the semi-final.
Saurav Ghoshal, a prominent Indian squash player, commented on the situation during a broadcast on Jio Cinema, noting, “Let’s see how it transpires. The Indian contingent has done due diligence.” The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat in the 50kg category was a significant setback for India’s medal hopes in wrestling.
Yogeshwar Dutt, a former Indian wrestler, expressed his disappointment with ANI, stating it was painful to see her disqualified. He also emphasized the need for support during this challenging time. “It is a loss of a medal for India and Vinesh. It is painful the way she has been disqualified. We need to stand by her as she was competing for India. Politics should not overshadow the integrity of sports,” Yogeshwar remarked.
Phogat had advanced to the gold medal after a 5-0 victory over Lopez in the semi-finals.