IOC Prez Thomas Bach Speaks Out On Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification From Paris Olympics

International Olympic Committee Briefing: The Paris Olympics have been nothing short of controversial. From rise in COVID-19 cases to athletes opting to stay out of the Games Village, almost all the bizarre things have happened in the ongoing Summer Games that are being played in the French Capital. 

Things were going already bad for the organizers of Paris Olympics, but Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the 50kg freestyle women's wrestling has brought them under the scanner.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach On Phogat's Case

The Indian wrestler took the entire country by storm as she made her way to the finals of the 50kg women's freestyle wrestling. Just when the entire country was dreaming about a gold / silver, Phogat was disqualified from the bout as she was found being 100gm overweight from the stipulated weight limit. 

Much to the entire nation's misfortune, Phogat was also stripped of her secured Silver Medal. Hours after her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling.

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'Now International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has expressed his opinion on the matter. 'No, we can't have two medals in a single weight category, if you ask in such a general way, but allow me to comment on this individual case. The regulations of the International Federation has to be followed. The International federation, United World Wrestling was taking this decision and I must say that there is certain understanding for the wrestlers. There is clearly a human touch, but looking at the federation and the issue, where do you make the cut?  Now it's in CAS, we will in the end follow the CAS decision. But again, the International Federation, they have to apply and interpret their rules. So this is their responsibility', said Bach.

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Court Of Arbitration To Hear Vinesh's Plea

Vinesh Phogat had filed two separate appeals to the Court Of Arbitration to hear her case against her disqualification from Paris Olympics. In her appeal, Vinesh Phogat's claim states that she should atleast be awarded a Silver Medal for her qualification into the finals. 

The CAS on Thursday decided to accept the appeal and confirmed that the hearing will take place on Friday as Phogat's lawers would be allowed a chance to plead her case.