The Paris is going to conclude today. India finished in 71th position in medal tally which is not a good sign for India. But the major issue is whether Vinesh Phogat will get a joint silver or not.
After the disqualification from Olympics, senior advocate Harish Salve to represent Phogat at the Court of Arbitration for Sports. According to Harish Salve that Vinesh weight gain was due to natural recovery process and that is the athlete’s fundamental right to look after his/her body. They also argued that the weight was under the prescribed limit on Day 1 of the competition and also the weight gain only happened because of recovery and that is not a fraud.
Challenge in the Court
Phogat’s challenged was made in the last Wednesday when she failed to play the final of 50kg against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. The Indian wrestler was found just 100 grams overweight and was immediately disqualified from the competition. After that Guzman Lopez replaced in place of Phogat. Though Sarah Hildebrandt defeated Guzman Lopez by 3-0. But unfortunately Vinesh defeated Guzman Lopez by 5-0 in the Semifinal. Immediately, the Indian Olympic Association (IOC) appealed in the Court of Arbitration of Sports (CAS) which decision is delayed till today.
Disappointing Phogat also announced retirement on Thursday. He wrote on social media, “My courage is broken, I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024.” Thomas Bach, President of International Olympic Committee said that it is not permissible two award two silver medals in the same category, amidst discussion on the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat. During a Press Conference on Friday Bach responded to inquiries about the possibilities of awarding Phogat a silver medal alongside her opponent who loses in the final.
Prominent Wrestler in India
Phogat is one of the prominent figure in Indian wrestling. She grabs two World Championship bronze medals, three Commonwealth games Gold and multiple Asian Games and Asian Championship medals. Phogat had to compete in the 50kg division in Paris Olympics. Her opening match pitted against Yui Susaki, undefeated Champion since 2010. In that he trailed by 0-2 with mere seconds remaining. But at the end of the match she made a great comeback and won the match by 3-2. Also she defeated Ukraine’s Oksana Livach and reached the Semifinal and her opponent was Cuba’s Guzman. She also win over Guzman in a dominant of 5-0 and reached in the Gold medal match.
Controversy
But then the controversy started. The federation disqualified her from the competition because of overweight issue and not allowed him to play the match. She was fighting for 50kg in this Olympics and by checking her weight it was shown that it was just 100gm enough. The question arises why federation does not check her weight before the Semifinal. The federation then appealed to the Court of Arbitration (CAS) and Haris Salve was the senior advocate who represent her in the court for joint silver.
CAS will take the final verdict by the end of the Olympics. But Vinesh Phogat, you are always a fighter. We the Indians are proud of you!
