CAS rejects Vinesh Phogat’s appeal: IOA criticises ‘inhumane’ regulations

Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed Vinesh Phogat’s plea for a silver medal in the women’s 50kg event at the Paris Olympics.

Following the development, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is exploring further legal options over the issue.

Moreover, IOA President PT Usha expressed her shock and disappointment after CAS’s dismissal of the plea.

“The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh’s application to be awarded a shared silver medal women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large,” stated IOA in a statement.

“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 statement added.

Notably, Vinesh in her appeal demanded that she be given a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semi-finals but was promoted to the summit clash following the Indian’s disqualification.