Vinesh Phogat CAS Hearing Highlights: Vinesh to learn fate on Tuesday as CAS defers decision

The ad hoc division of CAS has extended time for the Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee matter to give a decision till 6.00 pm (9.30 PM IST) on August 13 (Tuesday).

Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor has issued a strong condemnation of weight cutting practices, particularly in women's wrestling. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Elor described the process as "the dark side of the sport," highlighting the unnecessary physical and mental toll it takes on athletes.

The wrestler expressed concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of rapid weight loss, especially for young athletes. Elor emphasized that weight cutting should not be promoted or encouraged, as it can negatively impact an athlete's overall well-being and performance.

By speaking out against this harmful practice, Elor joins a growing number of athletes and advocates who are calling for changes in the sport to prioritize athlete health and safety.

"It’s something that a lot of times, if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can be really promoted and it’s very unnecessary − especially from a young age," said Elor, who won gold at 68 kilograms on Tuesday night.

The ad hoc division of CAS has extended time till 6-00 p.m. (9.30 PM IST) on August 11, 2024, for the Sole Abritator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee to issue a decision. The reasoned order will be issued at a later date.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has defended its strict weight regulations following the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics. President Nenad Lalovic emphasized that the rules are designed to protect athletes' health and ensure fair competition.

Lalovic acknowledged the challenges faced by wrestlers in maintaining weight categories but stressed the importance of competing at a natural weight class. He expressed concerns about the long-term health implications of extreme weight cutting, stating that the rules are in place to safeguard athletes' well-being.

“The wrestlers are losing too much weight and it’s not good for their health. Many have seen their interest at the moment but they don’t see what happens in 20-30 years. We want athletes to compete at their natural weight. That’s the idea. This is when they make the best performances,” Lalovic told Indian journalists after Vinesh's disqualification.

The UWW's stance on the matter highlights the ongoing debate surrounding weight management in combat sports and the need for a balance between competitive fairness and athlete health.

In a bold and unprecedented move, wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat competed in both the 50 kg and 53 kg categories at the Indian trials in March 2024. Her decision, driven by uncertainty over weight category regulations, proved to be a gamble that nearly yielded extraordinary results.

Phogat's strategy was to secure her spot at the Paris Olympics by qualifying in at least one weight class. She not only won the 50 kg trials but also secured a top-four finish in the 53 kg category.

Fast forward to August 2024, and Phogat found herself on the brink of Olympic glory. Ultimately, a narrow miss on weight cut prevented her from realizing her dream of an Olympic medal. However, her audacious decision to compete in two categories showcased her determination and resilience.

Phogat's journey highlights the challenges faced by athletes navigating complex weight category rules. Her story serves as an inspiration for future athletes to push boundaries and overcome obstacles in their pursuit of excellence. (READ MORE)

In a desperate attempt to make the 50kg weight category, Vinesh Phogat endured a grueling night of weight cutting. 

Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris, revealed that extreme measures after the wrestler was confirmed as disqualified on Wednesday. 

“We had tried all the drastic weight-cut measures through the night including cutting her hair, shortening her clothes, despite all of this we could not make that 50Kg weight category,” said Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris. 

Neeraj Chopra, who claimed his second successive Olympic medal -- a silver to follow up on the gold in Tokyo --, said he wants the medal around Vinesh's neck for one simple reason -- 'people shouldn't forget her.' 'If she gets the medal, it would be very good. If things had not panned out the way they did, she would have had the medal. I hope she gets it because if you don't have it around your neck, that thing stays in your heart,' the 26-year-old Chopra told reporters at 'India House' after a felicitation by IOC member and Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani.

'Today people might say that she is our champion but they will forget after a few days. Agar aisa na hota, a medal wouldn't have mattered. So, I hope she gets the medal. I just hope whether she gets the medal or not, people don't forget what she did for the country,' he said.

Taking to his Twitter, American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs wrote, "Give Vinesh silver."

Burroughs, a six-time World Championship gold medalist along who also won the gold at London 2012 Olympics, is considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time. 

He also weighed in on the matter of weight cutting, "Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final." (READ MORE reactions in the aftermath of the controversy)

Sachin Tendulkar joins the outcry for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to be awarded a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams over the weight limit on the second day of weigh-ins, despite being under the limit on the first day. Tendulkar questions the logic and fairness of the rules and hopes for a verdict in Phogat's favor from the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Read more

"Perhaps, don’t imagine how it must feel to be Vinesh Phogat. This torment, this constant bouts with misfortune, isn’t for mere mortals," writes Mihir Vasavda on the biggest sporting heartbreak of the year for India. 

"Broken knees and ruptured ligaments didn’t break her spirit. Spending nights on the footpaths of the Capital and being dragged into a van by Delhi Police couldn’t stop her. A hundred grams did. The extra weight that disqualified her from competing for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics." (READ MORE)

CAS rulings are legally binding, carrying the same weight as traditional court decisions.

Beyond arbitration, the CAS also provides mediation as an alternative dispute resolution option.

To address the specific demands of large-scale sporting events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, the CAS creates temporary tribunals with customized procedures. This ensures swift and appropriate dispute resolution tailored to the unique circumstances of these competitions.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg wrestling final because she was about 100 grams over the stipulated weight. Javelin throw’s silver medalist Neeraj Chopra would open up on the situation and would acknowledge she has done remarkable things and was hopeful that god has bigger things planned for her.

“I haven’t spoken to Vinesh yet. But whatever she has done here, woh ek misaal hai (She is an example). To beat Yui Susaki is in itself such a big thing. And after that, whatever she has been through, I don’t understand the rules of wrestling that well. But, she was on her way confitendly to gold. But then, this happened. I was having breakfast in the morning when I got to know this. Felt really, really sad,” said Chopra addressing the press. (Read more)

Vinesh Phogat was one win away from becoming the first female athlete joining an exclusive club of Indian athletes which is currently inhabited by just Abhinav Bindra and Neeraj Chopra. Vinesh Phogat was one win away from the Olympic gold medal. But on Wednesday, Vinesh Phogat found out that she was disqualified from the women’s 50kg wrestling event. For being 100 grams over the limit.

On Thursday, posting a couple of photos with her, Abhinav Bindra posted a poignant message on his X account, thanking Vinesh Phogat for the resilience she has shown through her career. (Read more)

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is optimistic of a favourable verdict in the appeal filed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification before the 50 kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.

Sole Arbitrator Annabelle Bennett heard all parties over three hours, and they were accorded the opportunity to file detailed legal submissions on the matter, followed by hearing and oral arguments. (Read more)

Afghan refugee Manizha Talash has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 after displaying “Free Afghan Women” on her cape during her breaking routine in the competition’s pre-qualifiers on Friday.

The 21-year-old who lives in Spain, wore a light blue cape that had the phrase written on it with large white letters. Talash was “disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire,” the World DanceSport Federation said in a statement. (Read more)

Aman Sehrawat was just another wrestler when he crouched to grab Toi Darian Cruz’s right leg. By the time he got a tight grip, twisted it mercilessly and slammed the Puerto Rican on the mat, Aman Sehrawat was an Olympic medallist.

Continuing the tradition of an Olympic medal in wrestling, the 21-year-old clinched a bronze to take India’s tally at the Paris Olympics to six. This was also a wrestling medal in the fifth straight Olympics for India, a run that began with Sushil Kumar in 2008. He might have stepped on the mat on Friday evening but Aman Sehrawat’s actual bout took place the night before – with himself. (Read more)

Vinesh Phogat went to sleep desolate, letting the world know that she’d hung up her wrestling boots with a short middle-of-the-night announcement on social media.

“Ma, kushtee mere se jeet gayi, main haar gayi. Maaf karna, aapka sapna, meri himmat sab toot chukein. Isse zyada taqat nahi rahi ab. Alvida kushtee 2001-2024 (Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is shattered. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024),” Phogat said in a post on X, adding that she would always be indebted to all. (Read more)

Salwar kameez and early winters. That’s what the coach Rasheed Ahmad Saqi remembers about his first meeting with the Paris Olympics champion javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem.

“It was early winters in 2011 and a young Arshad had come to the Municipal Stadium in Mian Channu to compete in the divisional athletics meet. He was more than six feet tall and I was impressed by the way he threw the 600-gram javelin. When I asked him, why didn’t you compete in a tracksuit, the 13-year old said, “School di chutti si te, main edha hi a gaya (It was a school holiday and I came like this only),” Saqi recalls to The Indian Express. (Read more Nithin Sharma)

Meanwhile a high jump update from one of the two defending champions. Gianmarco Tamberi, who has had a rough start to the Paris Olympics after dropping his wedding ring into the Seine during the Athletes Parade, has given a health update after experiencing pain in his kidney region. It remains to be seen whether he competes.

In a post on Instagram, translated from Italian, the man who famously competes with half his face clean shaved and the other half sporting a beard, wrote:

“It's finished...I hoped until the very end, I believed in spite of all that had happened
l've received such a great support and affection from all of you that gave me a unique strength to rise from this yet another problem, but it was obviously meant to be like this....

“Woke up at 5am this night because of the same throwing pain I had a few days ago. Yet another kidney colic. It's been 5 hours and the pain is still not over.
Managed to beat fate once after that injury in 2016, this time unfortunately I really think he won. I'm speechless, truly, so sorry. Am I am going down in pedana tonight. Yeah, but I really don't know how l'm going to jump in these conditions,” he writes.

Here's who you will never see at the Olympics again

1. PR Sreejesh

A content career with 2 medals. He leaves an empty goalpost, and high standards under the bar.

2. Sharath Kamal

No medal. But the Chennai paddler did keep the roster rolling from Olympic to Olympic, interspersed with heroics at CWG. He nicked a set off the big name in his last game, but the tag of Mr Consistent is up for grabs

3. Rohan Bopanna

India hasn't been in serious contention for a doubles medal for 2 Games now. But with Bopanna, ends India's fringe hope of continuing a proud legacy. Singles tennis holds some interest with Sumit Nagal, but doubles is nearly over. 

4. Ashwini Ponappa 

Were they really close to a medal in 2012? It's up for debate. But Ashwini plodded on valiantly as much as she could. Treesa-Gayatri will need to step up bigtime, and India will need to resurrect a mixed doubles tradition with new names, twice cut short for Jwala-Diju and Ashwini-Satwik.

5. Boxing

The sport faces an existential crisis ahead of LA Games. And that could add anxious months ahead for Nikhat Zareen and Lovlina Borgohain, and their stuttered careers. Men's boxing never took off. 

Shooters, archers can go on endlessly from Paris to LA to Brisbane, after the 51 year old Yusuk Dikec, nothing needs to mean anything, in prolonging ambitions in those type of sports. 

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg wrestling final because she was about 100 grams over the stipulated weight. Javelin throw’s silver medalist Neeraj Chopra would open up on the situation and would acknowledge she has done remarkable things and was hopeful that god has bigger things planned for her.

“I haven’t spoken to Vinesh yet. But whatever she has done here, woh ek misaal hai (She is an example). To beat Yui Susaki is in itself such a big thing. And after that, whatever she has been through, I don’t understand the rules of wrestling that well. But, she was on her way confitendly to gold. But then, this happened. I was having breakfast in the morning when I got to know this. Felt really, really sad,” said Chopra addressing the press. (Read more)

Manizha Talash, an 21-year-old Afghan refugee who competed in the debuting sport of breakdancing and took her moment under the Global arc lights of the Olympics Games to shine a spotlight about the state of Afghanistan women, has been disqualified!!

In a performance, she showed off a blue cape with an all-caps message: “FREE AFGHAN WOMEN.”

Yahoo Sports is reporting that she was disqualified. Thr report stated that a World DanceSport Federation spokesperson, which governs breaking as an Olympic sport, said in a statement that Talash was "disqualified for displaying a political slogan on her attire."

Yahoo Sports was told by an International Olympic Committee spokesperson via an email that Talash "was issued with a warning by the chair of the IOC disciplinary commission."

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is optimistic of a favourable verdict in the appeal filed at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification before the 50 kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics.

Sole Arbitrator Annabelle Bennett heard all parties over three hours, and they were accorded the opportunity to file detailed legal submissions on the matter, followed by hearing and oral arguments. (Read more)

On the medals table, the USA and China are currently locked at 33 golds each headed into the home stretch.

Team USA are currently leading with 39 silvers and a total of 111 medals, compared to China’s 27 and 83.

Of this tally for USA, athletics (29) and swimming (28) have contributed just over 50 percent of the medals. But more tellingly, 27 other disciplines have contributed to keep the Americans have their nose ahead of China, which is also at 33 medals.

Meanwhile China’s medals have come from 21 disciplines. A sport like athletics has contributed to four medals while swimming has brought 12. But they have nearly swept medals in a sport like diving, where they are at seven golds from seven events. The final diving event is yet to conclude.

Rei Higuchi, Japan’s 57kg freestyle wrestling champion at the Paris Olympics has extended his support to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics in the 50kg weight class for being overweight by 100 grams over the permissible limit. Higuchi won the gold with a 4-2 victory over American Spencer Richard Lee.

In a remarkable comeback, Higuchi overcame his past disappointment of being disqualified from the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers after he was found overweight by 50-gram weight. Following his Paris victory, Higuchi showed solidarity with Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, offering support amidst her own challenges at the Games. (Read more)

How you can assist a hockey legend

Meanwhile, an appeal from the other side of the border. Pakistan hockey legend Sohail Abbas has asked for help from fans. He's seeking the video of his record-breaking goal vs India in Amritsar (October 2004), which helped him surpass Paul Litjens' record, he tells The Indian Express’ Pratyush Raj. If you have it, reach out to @pratyush93_raj on Twitter for the chance to tell your grandkids that you once helped a hockey legend.

Here’s a look at the schedule for Saturday:

GOLF
Women’s Individual Round 4: 12.30 pm
Aditi Ashok, Diksha Dagar

Aditi Ashok finished Round 2 with a 1-under par overall, recovering after a poor start with a series of birdies. Diksha Dagar is also 1-under Par overall. The top three however started to pull away so both Indians need extraordinary rounds to put themselves in contention.

Women’s Freestyle 76kg: 2.30 pm onwards (R16 to SF)

Aman did well to ensure India’s first wrestling medal and it kept a streak going that started back at Beijing 2008. Now the last Indian wrestler in action will take to the mat. Could Reetika add to India’s tally? She starts off with a bout against 8th seed Bernadett Nagy of Hungary, and if she gets past that challenge, a potential 2nd round awaits against the top seed. If

Women’s Freestyle 76kg R16: Reetika vs Bernadett Nagy

Taking to his Twitter, American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs wrote, "Give Vinesh silver."

Burroughs, a six-time World Championship gold medalist along who also won the gold at London 2012 Olympics, is considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time. 

He also weighed in on the matter of weight cutting, "Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final."

(READ MORE reactions in the aftermath of the controversy)

Even as India is eagerly awaiting the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision about Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat being awarded a joint silver medal at the Paris Olympics, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has weighed in saying that the rules that saw Vinesh Phogat being disqualified defied logic and sporting sense.

Vinesh Phogat getting disqualified caused a massive outcry not just in India, but also in wrestling circles with legendary US wrestler Jordan Burroughs leading the campaign to award Vinesh a silver medal.

Vinesh Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the permissible weight on the second day of the weigh-ins, which led to her being disqualified. It must be noted that she was under the limit on the first day. The rules by the United Wrestling World (UWW) stipulated that Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who Vinesh Phogat beat in the semi-final, would compete for the gold medal against Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA. In the final, Hildebrandt defeated the Cuban wrestler 3-0 to claim gold, while Guzman Lopez claimed silver, despite losing twice at the Olympics.

Read what Sachin Tendulkar said

In a low blow of a development for the Indian contingent in Paris, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the 50kg wrestling final because she was about 100 grams over the stipulated weight.

Vinesh Phogat being disqualified for missing weight meant that the woman she beat in the semi-final, Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman, was asked to take Vinesh Phogat’s spot in the final. There, she ran into American wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, who brushed aside the Cuban’s challenge to win gold. (Read more)

Vinesh Phogat went to sleep desolate, letting the world know that she’d hung up her wrestling boots with a short middle-of-the-night announcement on social media.

“Ma, kushtee mere se jeet gayi, main haar gayi. Maaf karna, aapka sapna, meri himmat sab toot chukein. Isse zyada taqat nahi rahi ab. Alvida kushtee 2001-2024 (Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is shattered. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2 (Read more)

She took down someone who had never been defeated. She reached a peak no wrestler had climbed. And just when it seemed she was staring at a sliver of gold at the end of a dark tunnel, she was felled by a rule that had never been this cruel to any Olympian. This was the first Vinesh Phogat didn’t deserve.

What was to be the most inspiring moment for Indian sports — a woman repeatedly undermined by the system becoming the country’s first female gold medal winner — turned out to be a day of mourning. Sports picked the most inopportune time to showcase its flip side to the world. At an event where athletes were climbing podiums every hour, experiencing indescribable joy, there was a gloomy corner in Paris where a 29-year-old was dealing with a gut-wrenching disqualification. (Read more)

There have been times over the past year when it felt coach Craig Fulton had a wide range of foodstuff to whip up a nice meal but he opted for just a scrambled egg. Nothing fancy.

For months, the South African gave an impression of doing just that with a team of gifted players. Turning the speedy, skillful Indians who liked heavy-metal hockey into slow machines who were stripped of all the adventure and instinctiveness. They became borderline boring. (Read more from Mihir Vasavda)

"Perhaps, don’t imagine how it must feel to be Vinesh Phogat. This torment, this constant bouts with misfortune, isn’t for mere mortals," writes Mihir Vasavda on the biggest sporting heartbreak of the year for India. 

"Broken knees and ruptured ligaments didn’t break her spirit. Spending nights on the footpaths of the Capital and being dragged into a van by Delhi Police couldn’t stop her. A hundred grams did. The extra weight that disqualified her from competing for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics." (READ MORE)

India's most decorated Olympian, Neeraj Chopra, showcased grace in defeat after finishing second to Pakistan's Arshad Nadeem. Despite initial disappointment, he composed himself, displaying a calm and humble demeanor. Neeraj congratulated Nadeem with sincerity, expressing genuine happiness for his victory without resorting to overly diplomatic or forced gestures of friendship between the two nations. His understated response reflected his characteristic self-deprecation and sportsmanship. (Read More)

All eyes will be on Reetika Hooda, who will start his Paris Olympic campaign in the women’s freestyle 76kg category on Sunday. India’s hope of a 7th medal falls on Reetika after the golfers had a forgettable outing on Friday. Follow Live

Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, met Vinesh Phogat in the Athletes Village. He also shared one of the first images of Vinehs after she was heartbreakingly disqualified from the Paris Olympics, just before she was to compete in the final.

Here is the message Abhinav Bindra posted on social media along with images with Vinesh Phogat. 

Dear Vinesh,                                                                            

It is  said that sport is a celebration of human will. I have known that to be true many times in my career but never has it resonated more than today. As I look around me, I see a nation and its people celebrate your unyielding resolve. 
You are a fighter – on and off the mat. Through you, we are learning what it means to never lose the fight in us, even as a loss weighs heavily. You embody the true spirit of a warrior. 

Not all victories look alike. Some end up as a glittering souvenir in a cabinet but the ones that matter more find their way into the stories we tell our children. And every child in this country will know the champion you are. Every child will grow up wanting to face life with the resilience you have displayed. I thank you for that.

Respect, 
Abhinav Bindra

Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor has issued a strong condemnation of weight cutting practices, particularly in women's wrestling. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Elor described the process as "the dark side of the sport," highlighting the unnecessary physical and mental toll it takes on athletes.

The wrestler expressed concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of rapid weight loss, especially for young athletes. Elor emphasized that weight cutting should not be promoted or encouraged, as it can negatively impact an athlete's overall well-being and performance.

By speaking out against this harmful practice, Elor joins a growing number of athletes and advocates who are calling for changes in the sport to prioritize athlete health and safety.

"It’s something that a lot of times, if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can be really promoted and it’s very unnecessary − especially from a young age," said Elor, who won gold at 68 kilograms on Tuesday night.

The United World Wrestling (UWW) has defended its strict weight regulations following the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics. President Nenad Lalovic emphasized that the rules are designed to protect athletes' health and ensure fair competition.

Lalovic acknowledged the challenges faced by wrestlers in maintaining weight categories but stressed the importance of competing at a natural weight class. He expressed concerns about the long-term health implications of extreme weight cutting, stating that the rules are in place to safeguard athletes' well-being.

“The wrestlers are losing too much weight and it’s not good for their health. Many have seen their interest at the moment but they don’t see what happens in 20-30 years. We want athletes to compete at their natural weight. That’s the idea. This is when they make the best performances,” Lalovic told Indian journalists after Vinesh's disqualification.

The UWW's stance on the matter highlights the ongoing debate surrounding weight management in combat sports and the need for a balance between competitive fairness and athlete health.

The biggest lesson from today is that Vinesh Phogat went to the Paris Olympics as a hero. And she will come back a bigger one, Priya Ramani writes in her column in The Indian Express. Here's an excerpt from her piece: 

In 2021, I won a prolonged court battle against a former minister in the Narendra Modi government. This week, when Vinesh Phogat started acing her matches, I felt like I had won again. That her success was vindication for everything this country puts its women through. Vinesh Phogat and I share the same legal team, led by lawyer Rebecca John, but Vinesh Phogat’s joy and grief is personal for many of us. The language women used to share how they felt after the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification broke was intimate — “painful”, “heartbreaking”, “angry”, “weepy”, “shattering”.

Vinesh Phogat had the collective prayers and “you go girl” cheers of Indian women for whom sexual harassment is a daily reality. And their anger. She channelled this rage of women to barrel through to the final. I recognised the emotion from nearly 8,000 km away. After her disqualification, our feelings of pride in Phogat and anger against a system that didn’t care enough have only increased. More than ever, Vinesh is the hero we need. 

Why Vinesh Phogat is the hero we need

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is the highest international tribunal dedicated to resolving disputes related to sports. Established in 1984, the CAS is independent of any sports organization and operates under the authority of the International Council of Arbitration for Sport (ICAS).

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, with additional courts in New York City and Sydney, the CAS handles a wide range of sports-related disputes, including those involving athletes, coaches, sports organizations, and sponsors. With a panel of nearly 300 arbitrators from around the world, the CAS provides expert adjudication in complex legal matters within the sports industry.

The court’s role is crucial in maintaining fairness, integrity, and transparency in sports. By offering a neutral and impartial platform for dispute resolution, the CAS helps to protect the rights of all parties involved and contributes to the overall development of the sports world. (READ MORE)

In a bold and unprecedented move, wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat competed in both the 50 kg and 53 kg categories at the Indian trials in March 2024. Her decision, driven by uncertainty over weight category regulations, proved to be a gamble that nearly yielded extraordinary results.

Phogat's strategy was to secure her spot at the Paris Olympics by qualifying in at least one weight class. She not only won the 50 kg trials but also secured a top-four finish in the 53 kg category.

Fast forward to August 2024, and Phogat found herself on the brink of Olympic glory. Ultimately, a narrow miss on weight cut prevented her from realizing her dream of an Olympic medal. However, her audacious decision to compete in two categories showcased her determination and resilience.

Phogat's journey highlights the challenges faced by athletes navigating complex weight category rules. Her story serves as an inspiration for future athletes to push boundaries and overcome obstacles in their pursuit of excellence. (READ MORE)

In a desperate attempt to make the 50kg weight category, Vinesh Phogat endured a grueling night of weight cutting. 

Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris, revealed that extreme measures after the wrestler was confirmed as disqualified on Wednesday. 

“We had tried all the drastic weight-cut measures through the night including cutting her hair, shortening her clothes, despite all of this we could not make that 50Kg weight category,” said Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris. 

"Perhaps, don’t imagine how it must feel to be Vinesh Phogat. This torment, this constant bouts with misfortune, isn’t for mere mortals," writes Mihir Vasavda on the biggest sporting heartbreak of the year for India. 

"Broken knees and ruptured ligaments didn’t break her spirit. Spending nights on the footpaths of the Capital and being dragged into a van by Delhi Police couldn’t stop her. A hundred grams did. The extra weight that disqualified her from competing for the gold medal at the Paris Olympics." (READ MORE)

Japan's Higuchi Rei won the 57kg freestyle wrestling gold medal with a 4-2 takedown against Team USA's Spencer Lee at Paris 2024. And the Japanese, who was disqualified from Tokyo Olympics qualification for failing to meet the cut during the pre-match weigh-in by 50gram has a special message to Vinesh Phogat. 

“I understand your pain the best. same 50g. Don’t worry about the voices around you. Life goes on. Rising from setbacks is the most beautiful thing. Take a good rest,” He wrote on X.

India's hope of a 7th medal falls on Reetika Hooda in women's 76kg wrestling. Especially after the golfers had a forgettable outing on Friday. (READ MORE)

Taking to his Twitter, American freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs wrote, 'Give Vinesh silver.'

Burroughs, a six-time World Championship gold medalist along who also won the gold at London 2012 Olympics, is considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of all time. 

He also weighed in on the matter of weight cutting, 'Maybe stories like this will wake up the IOC. Wrestling needs MORE than six weight classes! After three tough matches against world class opponents, no athlete should have to spend the night preparing for a Gold medal in this manner. Absolute desperation from the Indian team trying to get the last bit of weight off of Vinesh to qualify for today’s final.' 

The shocking disqualification of Indian wrestling sensation Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics has ignited a global debate on the stringent weigh-in rules imposed by United World Wrestling (UWW). The incident has prompted a flurry of proposals and demands for rule modifications from various wrestling powerhouses.

Phogat, who had stunned the world by defeating Japan's Yui Susaki in the 50kg category, was unable to make weight for the final, resulting in her disqualification. The news sent shockwaves through the wrestling community, with overwhelming support pouring in for the Indian athlete.

Olympic champions and renowned coaches expressed their deep empathy for Phogat, highlighting the immense physical and mental toll weight cutting can take on wrestlers. Calls for more lenient weigh-in regulations have grown louder as the wrestling fraternity unites in solidarity with the Indian star.

The United States has proposed sweeping changes to the existing rules, while Greece has advocated for a single weigh-in day. Nigeria has suggested a two-kilogram weight allowance, and Turkey has openly expressed sympathy for Phogat's plight.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the UWW finds itself under immense pressure to address the concerns raised by the global wrestling community and implement measures to prevent similar heartbreaks in the future. (READ MORE)

Sachin Tendulkar joins the outcry for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat to be awarded a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams over the weight limit on the second day of weigh-ins, despite being under the limit on the first day. Tendulkar questions the logic and fairness of the rules and hopes for a verdict in Phogat's favor from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. (READ MORE)

Vinesh Phogat has taken her fight to claim a silver medal at the Paris Olympics to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after she was disqualified from competing in the gold medal bout for being 100 grams over the stipulated weight. 

Here’s a quick explainer on what happened at the CAS hearing and what Vinesh Phogat’s team is arguing: 

How long did the hearing last for? 

The CAS hearing went on for three hours. 

What happened at the hearing? 

Each of the parties was accorded an opportunity to file its detailed legal submissions prior to the hearing and then present oral arguments during the hearing. While the IOA stood by Vinesh, the IOC is backing the wrestling federation United World Wrestling (UWW). 

Who will make a decision on Vinesh’s fate? 

Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) is the sole arbitrator for this case. 

What are the arguments Vinesh Phogat and IOA are using in their defence?

Vinesh Phogat (with the IOA in the Indian wrestler’s corner as an interested party) has asked sports’ highest court to award her a shared silver medal. In its arguments, the Indian side has cited distance between the wrestling venue and the Athletes Village, and the tight schedule between bouts to be among the reasons for Vinesh Phogat’s inability to remain within the prescribed weight for the category, which resulted in her disqualification for the 50kg class gold medal bout.

They have argued that the extra 100g on the second morning gave her no competitive advantage, but was a result of the implementation of a ‘classic and essential recovery process.’

‘The excess of 100g is extremely negligible (representing around 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the athlete’s weight) and can easily be caused by the bloating of a human body during summer weather, as the heat makes the human body retain more water, scientifically for survival purposes. It can also be due to muscle mass increase as the athlete competed three times on the same day. It can also be caused by the food consumption of the athlete after the competitions to sustain her health and integrity for the demanding competitions,” Phogat’s counsel submitted.

They have also argued for the application of the principle of proportionality. ‘There would be a manifest disproportion between the level of excess (which excludes any attempt at fraud or manipulation of the athlete) and the irreversible consequences that would result from her non-participation in the finals in addition to the deprivation of her silver medal that was acquired by hard work.’

Phogat’s counsel claimed that the imperative of preserving athletes’ health must take precedence over all other considerations.

Who was representing Vinesh and IOA? 

Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for assisting the IOA present its arguments during the hearing.  

What’s next? 

The IOA said that it was indicated by the Sole Arbitrator that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, with a detailed order with reasons to follow thereafter. Essentially, the Sole Arbitrator’s decision is expected to be issued before the end of the Olympic Games.

What’s the medals status in the 50kg weight class currently? 

Sarah Hildebrandt from the USA won the gold medal by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. The Cuban had lost to Vinesh in the semis, but took Vinesh’s spot in the final after the disqualification. 

Yui Susaki of Japan defeated Oksana Livach of Ukraine in the bronze medal match for the half that had Vinesh in it.

In the second half’s bronze medal match, Feng Ziqi of People’s Republic of China beat Otgonjargal Dolgorjav of Mongolia to win the second bronze.

Asked whether Vinesh, who was found to be overweight in her wrestling category by 100 grams and thereby disqualified, could still take a silver medal, IOC president Thomas Bach said:

“No, but the regulations of the international federation have to be followed. The international federation of United World Wrestling took this decision. I have a certain understanding for the wrestler, but looking at the federation, or anybody who has to take such a decision, when and where do you make the cut? Do you say, with 100 grams, we give it, but with 102 grams, we don’t? 

"What do you do in sports where you have differences of a thousandth of a second? We will follow the CAS decision, but again, the international federation has to apply and interpret their rules. This is their responsibility.”

While Vinesh fights for her medal in the international courts, there is good nes from the wrestling mats for India! 

The 21-year-old wrestler Aman Sehrawat, who wa sthe only male grappler to make the cut for Paris 2024, had claimed India's sixth medal at the Paris Olympics after winning his bronze medal repechage bout against Puerto Rican Darian Toi Cruz.

Bleeding slightly from his nose by the end of the bout, Aman attacked his way to a bronze medal. 

India might win another medal from wrestling, if things go Vinesh's way at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Full statment from the Indian Olympic Association issued after Vinesh Phogat's hearing was concluded: 

The Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her failed weigh-in on the second day of her Women’s Wrestling 50kg competition in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours.

Each of the parties was accorded an opportunity to file its detailed legal submissions prior to the hearing and then present oral  arguments.  It was indicated by the Sole Arbitrator that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, with a detailed order with reasons to follow thereafter. 

IOA President Dr PT Usha thanked Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for assisting the IOA present its arguments during the hearing.  

“IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter. We are proud of her countless achievements on the wrestling mat throughout her stellar career,” Dr Usha said.

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat suffered a heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics after failing to meet the weight requirements ahead of the 50kg final. Despite reaching the final after making weight on Tuesday, Vinesh Phogat was unable to make the necessary weight cut on the morning of the competition on Wednesday.

The rigorous weight-cutting process, common in combat sports, involves athletes shedding significant amounts of weight to compete in lower weight categories. Wrestlers often push their bodies to the limit to meet strict weight standards, which are determined by the governing body, United World Wrestling (UWW).

In this explainer, Shashank Nair answers some questions and debunks misconceptions: 

• What is a weight cut?
• When do wrestlers weigh in?
• Why was it tough for Vinesh Phogat to cut weight?
• Why was she disqualified despite making the weight on the first day?
• Could Vinesh have salvaged a medal if she was injured?
• Why do Olympic wrestlers have to weigh in on two days?
• Was a two-day weigh-in always the rule?
• How can a wrestler weigh two kilos higher on Day 2, after weighing 50 kg on Day 1?

READ our explainer on weight cutting in wrestling and why Vinesh Phogat missed the cut today

Reports from France suggest that the hearing into the Vinesh Phogat case is now over. We are awaiting for updates from the legal team of Vinesh. 

Olympic gold medalist Amit Elor has issued a strong condemnation of weight cutting practices, particularly in women's wrestling. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Elor described the process as "the dark side of the sport," highlighting the unnecessary physical and mental toll it takes on athletes.

The wrestler expressed concerns about the potential long-term health consequences of rapid weight loss, especially for young athletes. Elor emphasized that weight cutting should not be promoted or encouraged, as it can negatively impact an athlete's overall well-being and performance.

By speaking out against this harmful practice, Elor joins a growing number of athletes and advocates who are calling for changes in the sport to prioritize athlete health and safety.

"It’s something that a lot of times, if you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, it can be really promoted and it’s very unnecessary − especially from a young age," said Elor, who won gold at 68 kilograms on Tuesday night.

The biggest lesson from today is that Vinesh Phogat went to the Paris Olympics as a hero. And she will come back a bigger one, Priya Ramani writes in her column in The Indian Express. Here's an excerpt from her piece: 

In 2021, I won a prolonged court battle against a former minister in the Narendra Modi government. This week, when Vinesh Phogat started acing her matches, I felt like I had won again. That her success was vindication for everything this country puts its women through. Vinesh Phogat and I share the same legal team, led by lawyer Rebecca John, but Vinesh Phogat’s joy and grief is personal for many of us. The language women used to share how they felt after the news of Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification broke was intimate — “painful”, “heartbreaking”, “angry”, “weepy”, “shattering”.

Vinesh Phogat had the collective prayers and “you go girl” cheers of Indian women for whom sexual harassment is a daily reality. And their anger. She channelled this rage of women to barrel through to the final. I recognised the emotion from nearly 8,000 km away. After her disqualification, our feelings of pride in Phogat and anger against a system that didn’t care enough have only increased. More than ever, Vinesh is the hero we need.

Why Vinesh Phogat is the hero we need