Vinesh Phogat Appeals Against Her Elimination, Asks for Silver

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after being disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics for failing to meet the weight requirement in the 50kg category. Phogat is requesting that she be awarded a silver medal, despite her disqualification, a report said. CAS has stated that a final verdict will be issued by tomorrow morning. If the ruling is in Phogat’s favour, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) may be required to award a joint silver to her.

Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification was announced on Wednesday after she was found to be slightly over the 50kg limit during the weigh-in for her final bout. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed regret over the development, which dashed India’s hopes for another Olympic medal. Despite efforts by Phogat’s team to manage her weight, she was unable to meet the strict criteria set for the competition.

The IOA has requested privacy for Phogat as she undergoes medical treatment after fainting due to dehydration. Following her disqualification, Phogat was hospitalized at the Olympic Village polyclinic. As per the competition rules, Phogat was replaced by Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom she had defeated in the semi-finals.

The outcome of Phogat’s appeal will determine whether she can still claim a share of the silver medal, potentially altering the final standings of the Women’s Freestyle 50kg category at the Paris Olympics.