Onus on athlete to ensure they remain below limit: CAS on dismissed Vinesh Phogat appeal

NEW DELHI: The Court of Arbitration for Sport ( CAS ) has released a detailed explanation for upholding the disqualification of Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat from the Paris Olympics 50kg freestyle final.Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams.

The CAS emphasized the strict application of weight regulations in athletic competitions. The rules clearly define an upper weight limit with no exceptions or tolerances for any reason, including variations due to hydration or menstrual cycles. The responsibility to remain within the weight limit rests solely with the athlete.

"The problem for the Athlete is that the Rules are clear as to the weight limit and are the same for all participants. There is no tolerance provided for -– it is an upper limit. It does not even allow for the weight of the singlet. It is clearly up to an athlete to ensure that they remain below that limit," the CAS said.

"There is no dispute that the Applicant was above the weight limit. She gave the above evidence clearly and directly at the hearing. Her case is that the amount of excess was 100g and that a tolerance should apply as this is a small excess and explicable for reasons such as drinking water and water retention, in particular during the pre-menstrual phase," it added.

Phogat acknowledged exceeding the limit but argued for leniency, citing the minimal excess weight. She attributed the discrepancy to factors like water consumption and potential water retention related to her menstrual cycle.

However, the CAS rejected this argument, stating that the rules are universally applied to ensure fairness and a level playing field for all participants.

This decision upholds the initial disqualification, which prevented Phogat from competing in the final despite winning her semifinal match against Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.

Lopez subsequently advanced to the final, where she secured the silver medal. The gold medal was awarded to American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.

Phogat, in her appeal, had requested to be awarded a joint silver medal alongside Lopez. However, the CAS rejected this request, further solidifying the final medal standings.