CAS Registers Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal Against Disqualification at Paris 2024

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The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially registered a new case concerning Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, following her controversial disqualification from the Women’s Freestyle 50kg competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The application, filed on August 7, 2024, challenges the decision by United World Wrestling (UWW) to replace Phogat in the gold medal match due to a failed second weigh-in.

The case, registered as CAS OG 24/17 Vinesh Phogat v. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee (IOC), centers around Phogat's disqualification, which occurred just before the gold medal bout.

Initially, Phogat had sought to annul this decision and requested a new weigh-in before the final match. She did not, however, seek interim measures, which led to a delay in reaching a decision before the match was set to start. The procedure is ongoing, with Phogat now seeking annulment of the disqualification and aiming to be awarded a shared silver medal.

Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC of Australia has been appointed as the Sole Arbitrator for this case and will conduct a hearing with the involved parties today (August 09). A decision is expected before the conclusion of the Olympic Games.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has enlisted renowned senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania to represent Vinesh Phogat in her appeal.

Phogat's appeal stems from a controversial disqualification that occurred after she made weight on the first day of the competition and won three matches to advance to the final.

On the following day, however, she was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit during the official weigh-in, leading to her disqualification under UWW rules, which stipulate that results are voided if a wrestler fails to meet the weight requirement on either day.

In response, IOA President Dr. PT Usha and Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh have sought intervention from UWW President Nenad Lalovic, requesting consideration of Phogat's performance from the first day. Despite these efforts, the disqualification was upheld, leading to the escalation of the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Phogat’s disqualification had far-reaching consequences, preventing her from competing in the final where Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez advanced in her place and ultimately lost to Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA. This situation not only affected Phogat’s Olympic dreams but also raised questions about the fairness of the weight management regulations.

The outcome of this appeal could be crucial, influencing not only Phogat’s career but also setting a precedent for future cases involving similar issues in international wrestling. The involvement of leading legal experts highlights the significance of this appeal and its potential impact on the sport.

Today’s CAS hearing will determine whether Vinesh Phogat’s exceptional performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics will be officially acknowledged with a well-deserved silver medal.