The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Wednesday has rejected Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, according to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Consequently, Phogat will not receive the silver medal she sought to regain.
Dr. PT Usha, President of the IOA, expressed disappointment over the CAS Sole Arbitrator’s decision. The disqualification occurred after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) found Phogat to be 100 grams over the weight limit just before her gold medal match.
Phogat had appealed on August 7, contesting the disqualification and requesting a joint silver medal with her competitor, Lopez, citing her compliance with the weight limit in previous bouts.
The hearing, which Phogat attended virtually, lasted over three hours. While the IOA had expected a CAS decision on August 16, the ruling was delivered earlier, denying Phogat’s appeal.
CAS is right but it should be the case with every nationality. Impartiality is a must.