Vinesh Phogat’s Application Dismissed by CAS Ad Hoc Division
MEDIA RELEASE
OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024
WRESTLING
WOMEN’S FREESTYLE 50KG
THE CAS AD HOC DIVISION DISMISSES THE APPLICATION FILED
BY VINESH PHOGAT (IND)
Paris, 14 August 2024 – The Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its decision in the following procedure:
CAS OG 24/17 Vinesh Phogat vs United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
The application filed at the CAS Ad hoc Division by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat (the Applicant) in relation to the decision taken by United World Wrestling (UWW) to replace her, because of her failed second weigh-in, before the gold medal match of the Women’s Freestyle 50kg competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 has been dismissed. Consequently, the UWW decision is confirmed.
The Applicant sought a ruling from the CAS awarding her a (shared) silver medal for the Women’s Freestyle 50kg competition.
The matter was referred to the Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), sitting as a Sole Arbitrator, who held a hearing with the parties on 9 August 2024. The full award with reasons will be notified to the parties, and published on the CAS website, as soon as it is available.
Background of the Case: Vinesh Phogat v. United World Wrestling & IOC
Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Paris 2024 Olympic Wrestling Competition
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification from the Olympic Games Paris 2024 women’s 50kg wrestling competition after being found overweight on the morning of her gold medal bout.
In the sport of wrestling, weigh-ins are crucial as they determine the eligibility of athletes to compete in their specific weight categories. Unfortunately, failing the weigh-in resulted in Phogat’s disqualification from the highly anticipated event.
This turn of events came as a disappointment to her supporters and wrestling enthusiasts.
It’s important to emphasize the challenges and sacrifices that athletes endure during the process of weight cutting, as seen in Vinesh Phogat’s case. The calculated restriction of food and water, combined with rigorous exercises and sauna sessions, aims to ensure that wrestlers compete in a lower weight category for a potential advantage. However, this process often leads to weakness and energy depletion, which can be counterproductive to participation.
In Vinesh’s situation, her nutritionist had carefully calculated the necessary weight restoration after the weigh-in, which was expected to be 1.5kg. Furthermore, the impact of participating in multiple bouts required the careful administration of small amounts of water to prevent dehydration. Despite efforts to meet the weight requirements, Vinesh was ultimately disqualified due to being slightly over her 50kg weight category.
The use of drastic measures, such as cutting off her hair, highlights the lengths to which athletes may go in their dedication to making weight. Nonetheless, in cases like Vinesh Phogat’s, despite best efforts and sacrifices, meeting the weight requirement can remain a significant challenge.
