Indian women’s wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal has been rejected by the Sports Tribunal. This decision has shocked millions of Indians. She entered the finals of the women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympics. But, even before the gold medal match, her weight was 100 grams more than the prescribed limit. So she was disqualified.
However, Vinesh had filed an appeal in the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) demanding a consolidated silver medal. The hearing is over. The decision was repeatedly postponed on Vinesh’s appeal. But now the CAS has rejected her appeal. That means her dream of winning a medal is shattered. Vinesh’s appeal was rejected, meaning India will have just six medals at the Paris Olympics.
As per reports, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has expressed disappointment over Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha’s dismissal of Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee. She reached the women’s 50kg final with three wins last Tuesday, including a victory over Japan’s Yui Susaki.
Vinesh’s appeal was postponed three times
However, she overweighed 2kgs before the night of the final. The wrestler reduced her weight but was 100 grams overweight. No extra time was also given to her to reduce the weight. So she had to pull out of the title bout against eventual gold medalist Sarah Hilde Brand of the US.
Vinesh appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport last Wednesday and demanded that she be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusnelis Guzman Lopez. After the heartbreak, she announced her retirement from the sport. The 29-year-old has been supported by legendary players from all over the world.
The case was heard on 9 August itself and was supposed to deliver the verdict on the same day, but it was postponed to 10 August. It was then postponed till August 13. Vinesh’s case was to be decided on August 16 at 9:30 pm, it was reported on Tuesday, but Vinesh’s hopes were dealt a blow when the Sports Tribunal gave its decision on Wednesday night itself.
