CAS Upholds Disqualification of Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Over Weight Limit

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled that athletes must comply with weight limits without exception, while detailing reasons for rejecting Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal. Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics final for being 100 grams overweight, a decision criticized by the Indian Olympic Association.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has made it clear that athletes must adhere strictly to weight limits, without exceptions. This decision came as part of CAS's detailed explanation for rejecting Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics final.

An ad-hoc division of CAS had already turned down Vinesh's appeal on August 14, a ruling that stirred strong reactions from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). Phogat, who missed the final for exceeding the 50kg weight limit by 100 grams, had argued for leniency due to factors like water retention. However, CAS maintained that the rules are unequivocal and apply uniformly to all athletes.

Vinesh Phogat's demand for a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who advanced to the final following her disqualification, was also denied. The gold was ultimately claimed by American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.

(With inputs from agencies.)