Wrestling Federation of India Hopes for Favourable CAS Verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s Disqualification in Paris Olympics 2024

The much-anticipated verdict on Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 has been deferred once again, now expected on August 16. The decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) holds significant weight for Indian sports, as it could potentially overturn Phogat’s disqualification and restore what many see as a lost opportunity for India on the Olympic stage.

Vinesh Phogat, a prominent figure in Indian wrestling, was disqualified from the women’s 50 kg wrestling final at the Paris Olympics after she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit during the weigh-in. 

This shocking development occurred just hours before her final bout against the USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, leading to her immediate disqualification from the entire tournament. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Phogat subsequently filed an appeal with CAS, seeking to overturn the disqualification and award Phogat a silver medal, arguing that she had already defeated Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinal.

The delay in CAS’s decision has sparked widespread concern and speculation, with many in India eagerly awaiting the outcome. Sanjay Singh, the President of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), expressed hope that the verdict would favour India, emphasizing the national importance of the case. 

“We are hopeful that the CAS verdict will be in our favour. WFI wants the verdict to be in favour of India as it is the country’s medal, not someone’s personal medal. It will be added to India’s medal tally,” Singh told media persons.

Singh, who has been closely associated with former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh—a figure embroiled in controversy due to sexual harassment allegations during his tenure—also addressed the broader issues plaguing Indian wrestling. He lamented that the ongoing disturbances and controversies within the sport have cost India potential medals. 

“The country could have won six more medals in wrestling alone, but due to the ‘ongoing disturbances and controversies in the sport,’ we have lost many medals,” Singh said.

The WFI president also pointed out that weight management is primarily the responsibility of the athlete and their support team. “The category of the sport was chosen by the player personally. Hence, maintaining that weight was solely the player’s responsibility. Gaining and reducing weight at quick intervals takes a toll on the player’s body. She was given every facility she asked for, including training with a foreign coach in Hungary,” Singh explained.

Phogat’s disqualification has not only been a blow to her personally but also to India’s wrestling contingent in Paris. Of the six medals India secured at the Paris Olympics, only one came from wrestling, with Aman Sehrawat winning bronze in the men’s 57 kg category. Phogat’s case has put the entire Indian contingent under scrutiny, with officials facing questions about the management of athletes at the Olympics.

In response to the controversy, IOA President PT Usha clarified that the responsibility of managing weight in sports like wrestling, boxing, judo, and weightlifting rests with the athletes and their coaches. She noted that each Indian athlete had their own support team in Paris, working closely with them throughout the years leading up to the Olympics.

The CAS, which had established an ad hoc division in Paris to handle Olympic-related disputes, had initially promised to issue a ruling before the end of the Olympics on August 11. However, the decision was first extended to August 13 and has now been further postponed to August 16. As the country waits with bated breath, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for Indian wrestling and Vinesh Phogat’s career, who, after her disqualification, announced her retirement from the sport.

The delay in the verdict has only added to the uncertainty and tension surrounding this case, as Vinesh Phogat and her supporters hold out hope for a decision that could alter the narrative of her final Olympic journey.