CAS provides detailed verdict on Vinesh Phogat's plea rejection: Onus on wrestler to ensure they remain below limit

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the competition for being 100 grams above limit.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has released a detailed explanation for its decision to uphold Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 50kg freestyle final. The ruling, which dashed Phogat’s medal hopes, provides insight into the strict application of weight regulations in wrestling.

Phogat, 29, was disqualified on the morning of the final for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams. The CAS rejected her appeal on August 14 and has now furnished its reasoning.

In its verdict, the CAS emphasized the clear-cut nature of weight rules: “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 court acknowledged Phogat’s argument but found it insufficient: “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.”

Despite Phogat’s plea for leniency based on factors like water retention and menstrual cycle-related weight fluctuations, the CAS maintained that the rules must be applied universally to ensure fairness.

The disqualification came as a shock, especially considering Phogat had already won her semi-final match against Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. Following Phogat’s disqualification, Lopez advanced to the final and secured the silver medal.

In her appeal, Phogat had requested to be awarded a joint silver medal alongside Lopez. The CAS rejected this unusual request, stating, “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 Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had reacted sharply to Phogat’s initial disqualification, reflecting the disappointment felt across the nation. This incident has sparked debate within the sports community about the rigidity of weight regulations in wrestling.

And the case raised important questions about weight management policies in combat sports. The CAS ruling while admitting it draconian clearly underline the current stance: athletes must adhere strictly to weight limits, regardless of circumstances.

The gold medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle category was won by American wrestler Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.

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