When will Vinesh Phogat return to India after Paris Olympics campaign? Here's the full itinerary

 On Wednesday, August 14, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) rejected Vinesh Phogat's request in an Operative Order, dealing a severe blow to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). When Vinesh Phogat turned out to be 100 grammes overweight the morning of her gold medal match, she filed an appeal against being disqualified from the Paris Olympics.

Both Vinesh Phogat and the IOA were optimistic that the verdict would be in their favour and that Phogat would receive the Silver medal. Nevertheless, Vinesh Phogat's request has now been rejected by the CAS. This caused a huge commotion.

Vinesh Phogat returns to India on Saturday, August 17, 2024

This week Vinesh Phogat is expected to make a much awaited comeback to India. Though her appeal was denied, the well-known athlete—whose exclusion from the Paris Olympics caused great debate—is anticipated to be be greeted warmly.

Following the Olympics event, the country came together behind Phogat to support and inspire during this difficult time. Millions of people have been affected by her relentless effort and fortitude, hence her return is much awaited.

With supporters ready to honour Phogat's dedication and tenacity, excitement for her homecoming has been growing. As supporters excitedly anticipate her arrival on August 17th at 10 AM, social media is humming with encouraging comments and enthusiasm.

Bajrang Punia validated this news on his official X account.

“Hello everyone. Vinesh Phogat at the airport at 10:00 am on 17 August. But it will reach there!”

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.