BIG SETBACK! CAS dismisses Vinesh Phogat's silver medal plea

Chennai: The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) on Wednesday night dismissed the silver medal plea of disqualified Indian Wrester Vinesh Phogat.

The first Indian to qualify for an Olympics final in Paris, she was disqualified after she was found 100 gms over weight during weigh-in ahead of the gold medal clash.

The hearing, which took place on Tuesday, lasted three hours and saw detailed arguments from Phogat’s legal team. Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, along with the Krida Legal team, represented Phogat. Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC from Australia is the sole arbitrator overseeing the case.

Phogat’s defence team has presented a compelling argument against the disqualification, claiming it resulted from unavoidable logistical constraints and an intense competition schedule. They argue that the additional weight of 100 grams, which led to Phogat's disqualification, was a natural byproduct of her recovery rather than an attempt to gain an unfair edge.

The defense highlighted several key issues contributing to the weight gain, including the significant distance between the athletes' village and the competition venue and the tight turnaround times between matches. They contend that these factors hindered Phogat’s ability to maintain her weight within the prescribed limits.

Moreover, Phogat’s legal team has argued that the penalty of disqualification was disproportionate, especially given the minimal competitive advantage gained from the extra weight. They emphasise that Phogat’s silver medal and her dedication to the sport should be taken into account, advocating for a resolution that reflects fairness and proportionality.