Vinesh Phogat has exposed issues with the Paris Olympics at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). She explained why her weight increased and why she couldn’t reduce it before the competition. Vinesh pointed out several problems with the Paris Olympics.
Vinesh competed in the 50 kg women’s wrestling category at the Paris Olympics. She caused an upset by defeating the world’s number 1 wrestler, Yui Susaki, in the quarterfinals. She then secured a place in the final with a brilliant win in the semifinals. However, before the final match, her weight was found to be 100 grams over the limit, and she was disqualified. Vinesh then filed a petition at CAS, where she revealed issues with the Paris Olympics and explained why she failed to reduce her weight before the final.
Vinesh’s Explanation
Vinesh highlighted several irregularities with the Paris Olympics at CAS. She explained that the real reason she couldn’t reduce her weight was due to the large distance between the wrestling venue and the athlete village, along with a very busy competition schedule.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Vinesh’s lawyer Harish Salve presented the case in court. They argued for justice for the Indian wrestler, and the case was heard for about three hours on August 9. The hearing was conducted by Annabelle Bennett, and a decision is expected soon. The IOA is hopeful that the decision will be in Vinesh’s favor.
Will Vinesh Get Silver?
Due to her weight being over the limit before the final, Vinesh was disqualified. Her opponent, Guzman Lopez, who was in the semifinals in her place, competed in the final but lost. However, Lopez won a silver medal. Vinesh’s petition argues that this medal should be awarded to her, and the IOA expects a decision in her favor. If this happens, Vinesh hopes to receive the silver medal on August 10. This would also increase India’s medal count to seven, matching their total from the Tokyo Olympics.
