'Inhumane Regulations': IOA Issues Stern Statement After CAS Dismisses Vinesh Phogat's Plea

Vinesh Phogat CAS Verdict: In a massive blow to Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) dismissed Vinesh Phogat's plea in an Operative Order on Wednesday, August 14th. Vinesh Phogat had appealed against her disqualification from Paris Olympics after being found 100 gram Overweight on the morning of her Gold medal match.

The IOA and Vinesh Phogat were hopeful that the ruling would fall in their favour and Phogat would be awarded the Silver medal. However, the CAS has now dismissed the plea by Vinesh Phogat. This created a major uproar as IOA president PT Usha was 'shocked and disappointed at the verdict. 

The IOA decided to put out an official statement slamming the regulations and spoke out against them calling them ‘Inhumane’. 

Here is IOA's official statement on Operative Order

The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh’s application to be awarded a shared silver medal women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large.

The marginal discrepancy of a 100 grams and the resultant consequences has profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh’s career but also raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation.

The IOA firmly believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination. Our legal representatives had duly brought this out in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator.

Also Read | Phogat's Petition Dismissed By CAS

The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes' well-being.

In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh's case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times.

We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public.

Also Read | IOA releases statement after CAS Dismisses Phogat's Appeal

India's seventh medal hope ends 

India were hopeful that Vinesh Phogat's verdict will take their medal tally to seven and equal their best ever medal tally record that was set in Tokyo 2020. But with the CAS now dismissing the plea, India's medal tally stops at 6 equalling their London 2012 tally. Given India failed to win a Gold medal, India finished a lowly 71st in final Paris Olympics medal tally.