Disappointment Over Phogat's Olympic Disqualification

The sporting community expressed disappointment after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her Olympic 50kg freestyle final disqualification for being 100gm overweight. Revered as a champion, her disqualification at the Paris Olympics sparked an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes.

The Indian sporting fraternity expressed deep disappointment upon learning that Vinesh Phogat's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had been dismissed. The appeal was against her disqualification in the Olympic 50kg freestyle final for being 100 grams overweight.

Phogat, revered as a champion by many in the community, saw her hopes dashed when the CAS issued a terse one-line statement on Wednesday evening, rejecting her appeal. Notable sports figures, including retired hockey legend PR Sreejesh and Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, voiced their support for Phogat, emphasizing her enduring status as a star athlete.

The Indian Olympic Association also condemned the decision and criticized the regulations of the United World Wrestling (UWW) for neglecting the physiological and psychological stresses faced by athletes. Despite legal efforts and representation by senior counsels, the plea was dismissed, highlighting ongoing debates on the human rights of athletes in the sporting world.

(With inputs from agencies.)