“Time For An Umpire's Call”: Sachin Tendulkar On Vinesh Phogat Disqualification
Following Vinesh Phogat, India’s ace wrestler’s disqualification from Paris Olympics, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar has extended his support. Sachin released a statement on X titled “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.
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Vinesh was disqualified from the sport after being overweight during her final weight check. Despite being under the required weight limit on Tuesday, Phogat needed to replenish after her three existing bout which saw her go above the weight limit.
“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. However, Vinesh beat her opponents fairly to reach the top two. She definitely deserves a silver medal.
#VineshPhogat #Paris2024 #Olympics @WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/LKL4mFlLQq
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 9, 2024
While we all wait for a verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, let us hope and pray that Vinesh gets the recognition she deserves.” he added.
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Medal have been already awarded for the event. Phogat defeated defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki of Japan before winning her quarterfinal and semifinal bouts to advance to the summit clash on Tuesday. The 29-year-old announced her retirement from the sport on Thursday.
The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) on Friday said that the decision on the plea made by Vinesh Phogat about her disqualification from the women’s 50 kg category final will be out before the end of the ongoing Paris Olympics.
