'It is clearly up to athlete': CAS releases detailed statement on Vinesh's disqualification at Paris Olympics

The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Monday (Aug 19) released a detailed statement over Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification during the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh, set to compete for the gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg freestyle category was disqualified for being overweight during the second day of the competition. She would consequently finish bottom of the standings despite having guaranteed a silver medal before the disqualification was confirmed on Aug 7.

"A consequence of elimination without ranking from the round for which the Athlete was found ineligible, having been eligible for the rounds for which she competed, would seem to be a fairer solution," the CAS order said.

"The problem for the Athlete is that the Rules are clear as to the weight limit and are the same for all participants. There is no tolerance provided for - it is an upper limit. It does not even allow for the weight of the singlet. It is clearly up to an athlete to ensure that they remain below that limit," the order stated.

The CAS slammed Phogat and claimed that it was the athlete’s responsibility to stay in the weight range. The United World Wrestling's (UWW) policies were not before the arbitrator and there was no evidence or submission against such policies.

After her disqualification, Vinesh launched a complaint at the CAS for a joint silver medal, however, after multiple hearings the decision went against the Indian wrestler. Senior lawyers Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania were tasked with helping Vinesh challenge the decision at the CAS, but there was no joy for the wrestler. They raised the following points during the appeal to help the Indian wrestler get at least a silver medal.

UWW guidelines leaving room for ambiguity

Effects of menstruation

Logistical challenges during weight cut process

Faulty weighing scales