Testimony of Vinesh Phogat Regarding Weight Issues at the Paris Olympics

Awaiting the ruling from CAS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision regarding Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Women’s Freestyle 50 kg wrestling final at the Olympics in Paris is much awaited in India. Phogat was unable to compete in the gold medal match because she was disqualified for weighing more than the allowed 100 grammes. By bringing the matter before CAS, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has challenged the rulings rendered by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and United World Wrestling (UWW).

Arguments Made by the Attorneys for Phogat

The legal team for Phogat contended that there were other reasons why she went over the weight limit. Her attorney cited the close quarters between matches and the substantial travel time between the Champ de Mars Arena and the Athletes Village, according to the Indian Express. They argued that because of these variables, Phogat was unable to control her weight, which by the end of the first day had increased to 52.7 kg.

Along with calling the 100-gram excess “extremely negligible,” the defence claimed that it was caused by “summer weather-induced bloating” or “increased muscle mass from competing three times on the same day.” They argued that Phogat should not have been disqualified because her small overage did not provide her an unfair edge over other competitors.

Legal and Health Concerns 

Phogat’s attorneys urged the application of the principle of proportionality in her case, arguing that the athlete’s health should take precedence over strict adherence to weight limits and that the minimal weight excess—which they maintained was not the result of fraud or manipulation—did not justify the severe penalty of being barred from the final. The IOA has strongly supported Phogat, with President PT Usha reiterating their unwavering commitment to backing her.

Reaction and Support from the Community

The sporting community has overwhelmingly supported Phogat’s disqualification. The ruling was questioned by cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar, who said that although regulations are important, they should be applied appropriately. He contended that it is illogical to disqualify Phogat for a minor weight issue prior to the finals and deny her a well-deserved silver medal. Tendulkar went on to say that minor weight excess following a fair competition would not warrant disqualification, but ethical transgressions would.

The Upcoming Decision

Before Sunday’s conclusion of the Paris Olympics, CAS is anticipated to make an announcement. Phogat is attempting to get a shared silver medal by appealing her disqualification. In addition to having an impact on Phogat’s career, the decision will establish a standard for handling weight-related disqualifications in international sports. In the meantime, Phogat’s case continues to spark debates about athlete care and fairness in competitive sports, as both the wrestling community and her supporters await the CAS judgement.