Vinesh Phogat CAS Hearing Verdict Highlights: Vinesh’s petition dismissed by CAS with one-line judgement

The UWW president Nenad Lalovic was asked about why as little as 100 grams extra weight disqualified Vinesh from the gold medal bout. He said that it was not this 100 grams that was the problem, but the weight that had already been cut. “We want athletes to compete at their natural weight. This is when they give their best performance,” Lalovic said. “The problem is (wrestlers) already lose 5 kg to have a tolerance of 1 kg. A wrestler sometimes loses 50% of their natural weight and that’s definitely not okay.”

At a press conference after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified, Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris, had explained why wrestlers opt to cut weight and not fight in categories that suit their natural body weight. Here's what Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala said:

“Wrestlers usually participate in a weight category less than their natural weight. It gives them an advantage since they are fighting with less stronger opponents. The process of weight cut prior to the weigh-in in the morning involves a calculated restriction of food and water. Besides this, the athlete needs to sweat and that is done through sauna and exercise,” Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala said.

“This weight cut has the benefit of putting you in a lighter category but does cause weakness and energy depletion. And this is counter-productive to participation. So, most wrestlers will thereafter go for some amount of energy restoration with some amount of water and higher energy foods. And these are usually given after the weigh-in,” Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala added.

Indian wrestling star Vinesh Phogat’s plea to be awarded a joint silver medal was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport late on Wednesday. This marks another fresh setback for Vinesh Phogat who has suffered two previous heartbreaks at the Olympics besides two serious ACL injuries and two elbow surgeries.  

Vinesh suffered a devastating blow as she was disqualified from the 50kg wrestling competition at the Paris Olympics as she was 100 grams over the stipulated weight. The Olympic medal hopeful learnt her fate just hours before she was to compete in the gold medal match against USA's Sarah Hildebrandt.

The disqualification marks a heartbreaking end to Phogat's Olympic campaign, one in which she was poised to become the first Indian woman to win an Olympic gold or silver medal in wrestling, with Sakshi Malik previously having been the only female wrestler from India to win a bronze medal at the Olympic Games. 

Vinesh Phogat's journey to the Olympics has been marked by numerous challenges, including overcoming injuries and personal setbacks. 

Vinesh Phogat’s traumatic Olympic debut at Rio 2016

Vinesh Phogat's first Olympic experience was marred by tragedy. The promising wrestler, tipped as a medal contender, suffered a severe knee injury during her quarterfinal match at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Forced to withdraw from the competition, Phogat underwent surgery to repair her ACL. This marked the beginning of a long road to recovery

Vinesh Phogat's Heartbreaking Loss at Tokyo 2021

Vinesh Phogat was the top seed in the women's 53kg category at the Tokyo Olympics. But she suffered a disappointing quarterfinal defeat against Belarus' Vanesa Kaladzinskaya. The loss was compounded by subsequent disciplinary action initiated by the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) for her conduct during the competition. 

Vinesh Phogat's battle with injuries

Vinesh Phogat's journey has been marred by multiple injuries. In 2021, she underwent her first elbow surgery after withdrawing from the national trials. Despite this setback, she made a remarkable comeback, winning medals at the World Championships and Commonwealth Games. However, her struggles continued as she underwent a second elbow surgery in June 2023, highlighting the physical toll of high-level competition on athletes.

Vinesh Phogat's devastating knee injury

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic dream suffered another setback when she sustained a severe knee injury while preparing for the Asian Games in August 2023. The injury, diagnosed as a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament and a partial tear of the lateral collateral ligament, required immediate surgery. The setback forced Vinesh Phogat to withdraw from the Asian Games, marking another significant challenge in her already arduous athletic career.

The Indian Olympic Association, in a statement said, that it was exploring ‘further legal options’ after CAS dismissed Vinesh Phogat's plea.

“The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes' well-being,” the IOA said in a statement.

Vinesh Phogat's legal team has presented a robust defense against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics wrestling competition. Central to their argument is the claim that logistical constraints and the grueling competition schedule contributed to the weight gain that led to her disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat's lawyers have emphasized the significant distance between the athletes' village and the competition venue, coupled with the tight turnaround time between matches, as key factors hindering Vinesh Phogat's ability to maintain her weight within the prescribed limit. They contend that the additional 100 grams gained was a natural consequence of the athlete's recovery process rather than an attempt to gain an unfair advantage.

Vinesh Phogat's legal counsel has further argued that the minimal weight excess should not have resulted in such a severe penalty. They have highlighted the disproportionate impact of disqualification, considering the athlete's hard-earned silver medal and the negligible competitive advantage gained from the extra weight.

By invoking principles of proportionality and fairness, the legal team seeks to overturn the disqualification and restore Phogat's rightful place in the competition.

In a desperate attempt to make the 50kg weight category, Vinesh Phogat endured a gruelling 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. 

After Vinesh Phogat's plea to be awarded a joint silver medal was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, it is likely that people might be tempted to console her by saying things like how she's a champion.

But Shivani Naik has some strong opinion on this. In a Quick Comment in The Indian Express, Shivani Naik writes: 

"Spare the strutting proud pehelwaan the silly sighs. She's fought bigger battles against former Wrestling Federation of India president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and suffered bigger setbacks, to stomp back at the Olympics. She should be allowed to mourn a lost silver, even if it's disorienting to think she didn't lose a single match at Paris fighting under correct weight. She can even rant, scream and send her fans into deep depression.

One can dignify her disappointment by reminding her of how smartly she defended against Susaki, and took down Livach and ran circles around Guzman. But telling her that missing out on an Olympic medal doesn't matter or that she must kindly move on, should stop."

Mihir Vasavda, The Indian Express' man on the ground in Paris who has been reporting on the 2024 Olympics, has this to say about the Vinesh Phogat verdict: 'The verdict signed by Sole Arbitrator Annabelle Bennett stated: 'The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed.' A detailed order is expected in the coming days.'

Reports coming in from France state that Vinesh Phogat's petition to be given a joint silver medal in the 50kg weight class at the Paris Olympics has been rejected by the CAS. 

This has been confirmed by Mihir Vasavda, The Indian Express' man on the ground in Paris who has been reporting on the 2024 Olympics. 

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. 

Drawing criticism for Vinesh Phogat's weigh-in fiasco, Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha on Sunday made it clear that it is the responsibility of the athlete to manage their weight and the attack on its medical team, especially Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala is 'unacceptable and worthy of condemnation.' The 29-year-old Vinesh was left heartbroken after she was disqualified ahead of her gold-medal bout in freestyle 50kg for being 100gm overweight in the morning weigh-in, crushing her Olympic dreams and prompting her to announce her retirement.

'...the responsibility of weight management of athletes in sport like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing and judo is that of each athlete and his or her coach and NOT that of the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team,' Usha said in a statement.

'...the hate directed at the IOA medical team, especially Dr. Pardiwala, is unacceptable and worthy of condemnation.' She hoped that those rushing to judge the IOA medical team 'would consider all facts before arriving at any conclusions'.

PTI reports

Bindra, who received the IOC’s Olympic Order award during the Session on Saturday, told The Indian Express he felt like throwing up after learning about Phogat’s disqualification from the Games.

“It was a very brutal day. (My first reaction) was of disbelief. Shock. I wanted to vomit. Early in the morning, somebody sent me a message. Frankly, I had no idea what was going on. It was crazy,” Bindra said.

“I am referring to the human side. She has gone through a tough time over the course of the last year and a half. To come back, qualify for the Games and come up with this performance. Incredible. To have misfortune, bad luck…Sport as life can be brutal. And I think it was perhaps the most brutal day for Indian sport in our history. I don’t think there could be anything that could even come close,” he added. READ MORE

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra tells Mihir Vasavda that India's performance in Paris has been a 'mixed bag', but says 'but that doesn't mean that you have to stop spending on athletes'. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW

Vinesh Phogat will learn the fate of her plea to get a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg weight class at the Paris Olympics when the Court of Arbitration for Sport gives its verdict on August 16. The international sports court once again deferred the case verdict.

Here’s a full sequence of events in Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s fight for Paris Olympics medal:

Vinesh Phogat disqualified: Vinesh Phogat was heartbreakingly disqualified ahead of her gold medal bout on Thursday because she was deemed to have missed the weight cut. The wrestler, who was on the cusp of being the first ever Indian woman wrestler to play in an Olympics final, was not even considered eligible to win any medal.

Vinesh Phogat was found to be around 100 grams over the permissible weight before the gold medal bout, even though she had made weight on the first day of her bouts. (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)

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 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)

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)

Even as the country awaits the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) about Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat being awarded a 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.

In a social media post on Friday, Sachin Tendulkar asked for the wrestling rules to be revisited. (Read more)

Former cricketer Sourav Ganguly on Sunday reacted to the Vinesh Phogat Olympics controversy and said that the wrestler ‘at least deserves the silver medal.’

“I don’t know the exact rule, but I’m sure that when she reached the finals, she must have qualified properly. So when you go to the finals, it’s either a Gold or Silver medal. Whether she was disqualified wrongfully or not, I don’t know, but she deserves the Silver medal at least,” he said in an event as per PTI Videos. (Read more)

From record-shattering performances to heartwarming moments of triumph, the Paris Olympics 2028 has left an indelible mark.

As the Paris Olympics has come to an end, the Indian Express brings you the untold stories of Games’ most talked about athletes. (Read more)

Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification at the Paris Olympics due to missing the weight cut by 100gms will find a resolution on Tuesday as Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), having heard arguments of all parties, gets ready to deliver the verdict.

Vinesh stormed into the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle event after starting her campaign with a stunning win over wrestling royalty Yui Susaki of Japan last Tuesday. But on the second day of the event, she was debarred from the gold medal bout against eventual winner Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States as she was marginally above the prescribed limit in the customary morning weigh-in. (Read more)

Vinesh Phogat's journey has been marked by numerous setbacks, including a career-threatening knee injury and the shock of her Tokyo Olympics exit. Despite facing relentless criticism and accusations, she has persevered. Phogat's determination to overcome challenges, both physical and emotional, is remarkable. She has consistently fought against a system that has often overlooked and undervalued women athletes. (READ MORE)

The international wrestling governing body’s president, Nenad Lalovic, insisted they won’t revise the rules based on this one incident. Lalovic added the playing regulations were formed to ensure wrestlers ‘compete in their natural weight category’ rather than drastically reducing weight, which can ‘impact health’. (READ MORE)

India's 2008 Olympics gold-medal winner Abhinav Bindra summed up the wait for the verdict perfectly on X. "We’ve all felt that frustration when something important gets delayed, and today, many of us are feeling that as we wait for Vinesh Phogat’s CAS judgment. But here’s a thought—this is kind of like what athletes go through every four years, waiting for another shot at Olympic glory. The nerves, the anticipation, the “just get here already!” feeling—we’ve all been there, right?

Sport isn’t just about what happens on the field - it’s about the waiting, the patience, and the persistence to keep going, no matter what. So while we wait for August 16th, let’s remember what our athletes endure and cheer them on, knowing they’re playing the longest game of them all," Bindra wrote on X. 

Vinesh Phogat beat four-time world and defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan on Tuesday. She then won her quarterfinal match against Ukraine’s Oksana Livach 7-5 and her semifinal against Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 to seemingly earn a spot in Wednesday night's championship match. United World Wrestling, the sport's governing body, disqualified Phogat on Wednesday morning. Team India said she was 100 grams — about a fifth of a pound — over the weight limit. Instead of becoming India’s first woman to compete in an Olympic final, she went home empty-handed. Guzman Lopez replaced Phogat in the final, and American Sarah Hildebrandt defeated Guzman Lopez 3-0 to win the gold medal.

Many saw their own stories in Vinesh Phogat’s trial by fire. Last year, the wrestlers’ protest against then Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and former BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on allegations of sexual assault did a few things. It created role models, people who put their full weight and careers behind holding power accountable. It also showed what such a reckoning can look like in India — the unshakeability of these ecosystems and the ugly ways in which they can take agency and power away from women. It was a moment of collective comprehension of the wall one comes up against in one’s fight against the wrong man in the right place.

Phogat’s tale did not begin on the mat. And so, bookending it with a medal can only be a consolation, for her and for countless others like her. That so many women identified with the burden that Phogat carried to Paris this year, that this was her burden to begin with, tells us much about a country that espouses values of both “naari shakti” and being a “sporting nation”.

Read Sukhmani Malik on why the real victory for Vinesh Phogat’s fight against power does not lie in a medal

At a press conference after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified, Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris, had explained why wrestlers opt to cut weight and not fight in categories that suit their natural body weight. Here's what Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala said:

“Wrestlers usually participate in a weight category less than their natural weight. It gives them an advantage since they are fighting with less stronger opponents. The process of weight cut prior to the weigh-in in the morning involves a calculated restriction of food and water. Besides this, the athlete needs to sweat and that is done through sauna and exercise,” Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala said.

“This weight cut has the benefit of putting you in a lighter category but does cause weakness and energy depletion. And this is counter-productive to participation. So, most wrestlers will thereafter go for some amount of energy restoration with some amount of water and higher energy foods. And these are usually given after the weigh-in,” Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala added.

In the wake of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics, which saw her being disbarred from competing in the gold medal bout, Haryana's political landscape has seen a flurry of support for the athlete. With the state gearing up for elections in a few months, politicians are vying for Vinesh Phogat's endorsement and public sympathy.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that Vinesh Phogat would be accorded a hero's welcome upon her return and honored at par with a bronze medalist. The BJP leader took to X to express the state's pride in Vinesh Phogat's achievements and assure her of the government's full support.

Under Haryana's sports policy, bronze medalists receive a cash reward of Rs 2.5 crore. By extending this honor to Vinesh Phogat, the government aims to recognize her exceptional performance and bolster its image among the state's youth.

Not to be outdone, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has called for an even greater honor for Vinesh Phogat, suggesting she be treated as a gold medalist. The former Chief Minister went further, promising to nominate Vinesh Phogat to the Rajya Sabha if his party were to win the upcoming elections.

As the political temperature rises in Haryana, the battle for Vinesh Phogat's support has become a crucial element in the electoral campaign. With the athlete's immense popularity, her endorsement could significantly influence voter sentiment.

Vinesh Phogat's fate is in limbo once again after the CAS delayed its date for announcing the verdict till August 16. But here’s a quick explainer on what had 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? 

There is a group of French lawyers, who are fighting Vinesh's case. Senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team are meanwhile 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 after the Olympics? 

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.

Vinesh Phogat's legal team has presented a robust defense against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics wrestling competition. Central to their argument is the claim that logistical constraints and the grueling competition schedule contributed to the weight gain that led to her disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat's lawyers have emphasized the significant distance between the athletes' village and the competition venue, coupled with the tight turnaround time between matches, as key factors hindering Vinesh Phogat's ability to maintain her weight within the prescribed limit. They contend that the additional 100 grams gained was a natural consequence of the athlete's recovery process rather than an attempt to gain an unfair advantage.

Vinesh Phogat's legal counsel has further argued that the minimal weight excess should not have resulted in such a severe penalty. They have highlighted the disproportionate impact of disqualification, considering the athlete's hard-earned silver medal and the negligible competitive advantage gained from the extra weight.

By invoking principles of proportionality and fairness, the legal team seeks to overturn the disqualification and restore Phogat's rightful place in the competition.

India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bindra, responds to the CAS announcing another deferral i nthe verdict. Bindra tweets: "We’ve all felt that frustration when something important gets delayed, and today, many of us are feeling that as we wait for Vinesh Phogat’s CAS judgment. But here’s a thought: this is kind of like what athletes go through every four years, waiting for another shot at Olympic glory. The nerves, the anticipation, the “just get here already!” feeling we’ve all been there, right? Sport isn’t just about what happens on the field - it’s about the waiting, the patience, and the persistence to keep going, no matter what. So while we wait for August 16th, let’s remember what our athletes endure and cheer them on, knowing they’re playing the longest game of them all."

He added the hashtags -- #HangInThere #SupportVinesh #SportIsTough #TeamIndia -- in his tweet. 

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), while announcing the move to defer the verdict in VInesh Phogat's case for one more time, stated that it was doing so under Article 18 of the CAS Arbitration Rules for the Olympic Games.

So what does Article 18 of the CAS Arbitration Rules for the Olympic Games state?

Time limit: The Panel shall give a decision within 24 hours of the lodging of the application. In exceptional cases, this time limit may be extended by the President of the ad hoc Division if circumstances so require.

A statement from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) today, while deferring the verdict till August 16, has stated: "By application of Article 18 of the CAS Arbitration Rules for the Olympic Games, the President of the CAS Ad Hoc Division extends the time-limit for the Panel to give a decision until 16 August 2024 at 18h00 (Paris time)."

Mihir Vasavda, The Indian Express' man on the ground in Paris covering the 2024 Olympics, says that the hearing decision has been extended until 16th August, 6pm.

After Vinesh Phogat was disqualifed from the gold medal bout at the Paris Olympics, American wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs had demanded that the Indian wrestler be given a silver medal. 

The American had also proposed some immediate rule changes via his X handle to avoid a repeat of the Vinesh Phogat-like situation.

1.) 1kg second Day Weight Allowance.

2.) Weigh-ins pushed from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.

3.) Forfeit will occur in future finals if the opposing finalist misses weight.

4.) After a semifinal victory, both finalists’ medals are secured even if weight is missed on Day 2. Gold can only be won by a wrestler who makes weight on the second day.

5.) Give Vinesh the silver medal.

At a press conference after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified, Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Contingent in Paris, had explained why wrestlers opt to cut weight and not fight in categories that suit their natural body weight. Here's what Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala said:

“Wrestlers usually participate in a weight category less than their natural weight. It gives them an advantage since they are fighting with less stronger opponents. The process of weight cut prior to the weigh-in in the morning involves a calculated restriction of food and water. Besides this, the athlete needs to sweat and that is done through sauna and exercise,” Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala said.

“This weight cut has the benefit of putting you in a lighter category but does cause weakness and energy depletion. And this is counter-productive to participation. So, most wrestlers will thereafter go for some amount of energy restoration with some amount of water and higher energy foods. And these are usually given after the weigh-in,” Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala added.

The story of Vinesh Phogat is one of inspiration in the land of a million tragedies, writes Aakash Joshi in his column. It is one that the Indians need because they come so rare in India. 

"Vinesh Phogat is a person who has had to overcome more than most. That she has surmounted the odds makes her a symbol, her success something to aspire to. It is a burden that she cannot shed. Because, in a country riddled with inequality, we are hungry for stories of success." (READ MORE)

As we await the CAS verdict on Vinesh Phogat, a good time to read Sukhmani Malik's column on the Indian wrestler, drawing comparison with Hollywood's most beloved sporting story. Just like Rocky Balboa, Phogat, too, aspired to go the distance. Except, the image of Phogat in tears on the mat carried a burden much larger than any that Rocky ever did. 

"The script for this was written much earlier over the course of a televised 18-month agitation fought with blood, sweat, and tears and then an uphill battle to the Olympics." (READ HERE)

The Indian Olympic Association said it 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.

The hearing went on for three hours. Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team assisted and presented Vinesh Phogat's case. 

The person in charge of deciding this case is Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia).

On one side is Vinesh Phogat and the IOA and on the other side are the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee.

Vinesh Phogat's legal team has presented a robust defense against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics wrestling competition. Central to their argument is the claim that logistical constraints and the grueling competition schedule contributed to the weight gain that led to her disqualification.

Vinesh Phogat's lawyers have emphasized the significant distance between the athletes' village and the competition venue, coupled with the tight turnaround time between matches, as key factors hindering Vinesh Phogat's ability to maintain her weight within the prescribed limit. They contend that the additional 100 grams gained was a natural consequence of the athlete's recovery process rather than an attempt to gain an unfair advantage.

Vinesh Phogat's legal counsel has further argued that the minimal weight excess should not have resulted in such a severe penalty. They have highlighted the disproportionate impact of disqualification, considering the athlete's hard-earned silver medal and the negligible competitive advantage gained from the extra weight.

By invoking principles of proportionality and fairness, the legal team seeks to overturn the disqualification and restore Phogat's rightful place in the competition.

Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin, just like the rest of the country, is awaiting justice for Vinesh Phogat. On Twitter, he posts: "Fingers crossed for Vinesh."

Some of Bollywood's top stars have expressed solidarity with Vinesh Phogat, hailing her as a ‘champion’ after she was cruelly disqualified from competing in the gold medal bout of the Paris Olympics. 

Here's what stars like Vicky Kaushal, Taapsee Pannu, Farhan Akhtar and Sonakshi Sinha said: 

Vicky Kaushal called Vinesh Phogat a “winner beyond medals!”

“Nothing can take away your resilience, nothing can take away your courage and nothing can take away the hardships you’ve been through to create history! Today you must be heartbroken to say the least and we are heartbroken with you. But woman you are gold- you are iron and you are steel! Nothing can take that away from you! A champion for the ages! There is no one like you,” Alia wrote in a heartfelt note.  

Sonakshi Sinha took to her Instagram Stories and wrote, “Unbelievable! I cannot imagine how you are feeling now and don’t know what to say except you were, are and will always will be a champion.”

Farhan Akhtar said on Instagram: "Dear Vinesh Phogat .. One can only try and imagine how devastated you must be but still not fully understand. Heartbroken for you that the quest ended like this. But please know that we are all very proud of you and all you have done for the sport. You will always be a champion and an inspiration to millions.
Keep your chin up."

The disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics due to weight issues has brought the phenomenon of rebound weight gain into the spotlight.

According to Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala, Chief Medical Officer of the Indian contingent at Paris 2024, Vinesh was 100 grams over the 50 kg weight category. This unexpected weight gain, often referred to as rebound weight, is a common challenge for athletes who undergo rigorous weight cutting to make their respective weight classes.

Explaining the process, Dr Bhavana P, Chief Dietitian at Gleneagles Hospital, Hyderabad, told The Indian Express, "Rebound weight gain occurs when individuals regain the weight they lost through strict dieting and exercise. This is often due to metabolic adaptations, hormonal changes, and psychological factors."

Athletes often resort to severe calorie restriction and intense workouts to shed excess pounds quickly. While effective in the short term, these methods can be unsustainable, leading to a rapid regain of weight once the strict regimen ends.

Dr Sudhir Kumar, Neurologist at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, added that hormonal fluctuations and the psychological stress associated with dieting can also contribute to rebound weight gain. Increased appetite and emotional eating can further exacerbate the issue.

Vinesh Phogat's case highlights the complex nature of weight management in sports and the challenges athletes face in maintaining their desired weight while preserving their health and performance.

In the wake of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's heartbreaking disqualification from the Paris Olympics, which saw her being disbarred from competing in the gold medal bout, Haryana's political landscape has seen a flurry of support for the athlete. With the state gearing up for elections in a few months, politicians are vying for Vinesh Phogat's endorsement and public sympathy.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that Vinesh Phogat would be accorded a hero's welcome upon her return and honored at par with a bronze medalist. The BJP leader took to X to express the state's pride in Vinesh Phogat's achievements and assure her of the government's full support.

Under Haryana's sports policy, bronze medalists receive a cash reward of Rs 2.5 crore. By extending this honor to Vinesh Phogat, the government aims to recognize her exceptional performance and bolster its image among the state's youth.

Not to be outdone, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda has called for an even greater honor for Vinesh Phogat, suggesting she be treated as a gold medalist. The former Chief Minister went further, promising to nominate Vinesh Phogat to the Rajya Sabha if his party were to win the upcoming elections.

As the political temperature rises in Haryana, the battle for Vinesh Phogat's support has become a crucial element in the electoral campaign. With the athlete's immense popularity, her endorsement could significantly influence voter sentiment.

There is a clear discrepency in UWW's application of rules in the Vinesh Phogat case. 

Their rules state that the wrestlers who have lost to the finalists compete in their brackets via the repechage for the bronze medals (wrestling is one of those rare sports which awards two bronze medals).

But if Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the competition, and the Cuban Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh in the semis, was asked to take Vinesh Phogat's place in the final against Sarah Hildebrandt, shouldn't  the wrestler who lost to Guzman Lopez be competing in the final rather than Yui Susaki, who lost to Vinesh Phogat?

We are only a few hours away from a conclusion of the whole saga with the official judgement from the CAS. According to emerging reports, the final statement is set to be announced before 9:30 PM IST tonight.

Shortly after she announced her retiremet, Vinesh's brother Harvinder Phogat told The Indian Express: "We have to stand up again. Till now, Vinesh and all of us have fought every situation and will continue to do so. That’s what I told Vinesh on the phone today after she missed the weight. While I am yet to meet her later in the evening, I know she is someone, who won’t be lamenting the fact that she missed the Olympic medal. She would be only thinking, what’s next for her now and how many more trials will god put her through for her to rise again." READ MORE

India's loss turned out to be America's gain when Sarah Hildebrandt claimed the 50kg wrestling gold medal in Paris. However, it was a bizarre day for Hildebrandt too after Vinesh was deemed ineligible to compete in the final against her. She revealed that she was initially told after Vinesh missed weight that she had won gold. But an hour later, she was asked to lace up and get on the mat to play in the final against Guzman. She termed the situation as “chaotic”. READ MORE

The weight-cutting process can lead to injury and a vicious cycle of other related issues such as stress, bulimia and depression. Nonetheless, athletes continue to engage in this practice. READ MORE

Phogat’s tale did not begin on the mat. And so, bookending it with a medal can only be a consolation, for her and for countless others like her. That so many women identified with the burden that Phogat carried to Paris this year, that this was her burden to begin with, tells us much about a country that espouses values of both “naari shakti” and being a “sporting nation”. READ MORE

In a post on social media, Tendulkar said: “Time for an Umpire’s Call! Every sport has rules and those rules need to be seen in context, maybe even revisited at times. Vinesh Phogat qualified fair and square for the finals. Her disqualification by weight, was before the finals, and hence, for her to be robbed of a deserving silver medal defies logic and sporting sense. It would have been understandable if an athlete were to have been disqualified for ethical breaches such as the usage of performance-enhancing drugs. In that case, to not be awarded any medal and be placed last would be justifiable." (READ MORE)

Vinesh Phogat’s exceptional performance despite the hurdles she has had to face has moved many. Why the authorities could not do more for her is worth a deeper look. (READ MORE)

Olympic champions and legendary coaches empathised with Phogat, who got disqualified from the Games after she could not make the weight for Wednesday’s final, and implored the United World Wrestling (UWW) to consider rule changes that are less harsh on the wrestlers physically and mentally.

Speaking at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Purity Akuh, the Nigerian women’s coach, said this is the ‘first time’ he had seen something like this happen. “For Vinesh, I really feel for her. She has broken a record here and she deserves to be on the podium.” (READ MORE)

2008 Olympic gold-medal winner Abhinav Bindra was quick to respond to Vinesh's fateful disqualification and subsequent retirement from wrestling in Paris. “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,” Bindra wrote on social media after he met Vinesh in Paris. (READ MORE)

The international governing body’s president, Nenad Lalovic, insisted they won’t revise the rules based on this one incident. He added the playing regulations were formed to ensure wrestlers ‘compete in their natural weight category’ rather than drastically reducing weight, which can ‘impact health’. (READ MORE)

American wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs proposed some immediate rule changes on social media to avoid a repeat of the Phogat-like situation.

1.) 1kg second Day Weight Allowance.

2.) Weigh-ins pushed from 8:30 am to 10:30 am.

3.) Forfeit will occur in future finals if the opposing finalist misses weight.

4.) After a semifinal victory, both finalists’ medals are secured even if weight is missed on Day 2. Gold can only be won by a wrestler who makes weight on the second day.

5.) Give Vinesh the Silver medal.