'Injustice to us': Coach Virendra Dahiya Voices Distress Over CAS Dismissal of Vinesh Phogat's Plea

Millions of Indians suffered heartbreak after Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics' final round. The star-India grappler was found 100 grams overweight, which led to her ousting from the competition. Her disqualification shocked the world, as Vinesh was assured of a medal after winning the semifinal round. Phogat knocked on CAS' doors for a joint silver medal, but her appeal was dismissed by them, indicating that no silver medal would be presented to her. After the revelation was made public, the national Wrestling Coach vented his frustration after the setback by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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National Wrestling Coach Expresses Displeasure Over CAS’ Dismissal of Vinesh Phogat’s Plea

After the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed Vinesh Phogat's plea for a joint silver medal, coach Virender Dahiya expressed that Vinesh deserved a silver medal in the event. He also stated that the CAS' decision was unfortunate and it was injustice to them.

"We were hoping that the decision would be in our favour. The Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Sports Ministry and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) were hoping that the decision would be in our favour, but unfortunately, the decision was not in our favour, and we missed out on a gold medal. Vinesh is the most reputed women's wrestler in India. She is very hard-working. We are really sad because we deserved at least a silver. This is an injustice to us," Dahiya said while speaking to ANI.

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Vinesh Phogat garnered immense support after she was disqualified from the Women's 50kg Freestyle Final Event in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association, renowned Indian Cricketers and sports persons, and International wrestlers and gold medalists criticized the decision to dismiss Vinesh from the summit clash. CAS was the last hope for the Indian grappler, but they dismissed her plea, ending any chance for the grappler to receive a medal.

In the fallout of her disqualification, the grappler announced her retirement from the sport, saying she didn't have any strength left and apologized to her mother as her dream and the wrestler's courage were broken. The grappler is yet to return to India.