New Delhi: Vinesh Phogat, the prominent figure in Indian wrestling at the Paris Olympics, will have to wait until August 16 to learn the outcome of her appeal against disqualification and the silver medal decision.
“The president of the CAS ad hoc division has granted Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, the sole arbitrator in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling (UWW) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) case, an extension until 6 pm (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024. Consequently, the scheduled Zoom meeting with IOA President Dr. PT Usha and Senior Counsel Mr. Harish Salve has been postponed,” the IOA said in a statement.
Vinesh Phogat’s Journey to the Paris Olympics
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most celebrated wrestlers, stormed into the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle event at the Paris Olympics, showcasing her extraordinary skill and determination. On the first day of the competition, she secured three convincing victories against formidable opponents: Japanese legend Yui Susaki, Ukraine’s Oksana Livach, and Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. These victories were not just wins on the scoreboard but a testament to Vinesh’s resilience and commitment to her sport.
However, what seemed like a smooth path to Olympic glory took a dramatic turn following her third bout. Officials reported that Vinesh was 2.7kg above her prescribed weight. This revelation put her participation in the final at risk, as she needed to meet the weight requirements at a second weigh-in scheduled for the next morning, on August 7. Despite working tirelessly throughout the night to shed the excess weight, Vinesh was still found to be 100 grams overweight the next morning. As a result, she was disqualified from the final, and Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez was promoted to fight in her place. Lopez ultimately lost in the final but was awarded the silver medal.
Legal Battle and Support
Following this heartbreaking disqualification, Vinesh’s camp immediately took legal action to challenge the decision. French lawyers Joelle Monlouis, Estelle Ivanova, Habbine Estelle Kim, and Charles Amson, who were working pro bono, provided crucial support to Vinesh and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in filing an application before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Their efforts were instrumental in ensuring that Vinesh’s case was heard at the highest level of sports arbitration.
In addition to the French legal team, senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, both renowned for their expertise in sports law, were also brought on board to strengthen Vinesh’s case. Harish Salve, who served as the Solicitor General of India from 1999 to 2003, lent his considerable legal acumen to the fight, while Vidushpat Singhania, a specialist in sports law, provided critical insights and guidance. The involvement of such a high-profile legal team underscored the significance of the case, not just for Vinesh but for the broader landscape of Indian sports.
Vinesh’s Tumultuous Journey Off the Mat
The legal battle was not the only challenge Vinesh faced in recent years. Off the mat, her life had been equally tumultuous. In January of the previous year, Vinesh emerged as the face of a high-profile sit-in protest in Delhi, demanding action against the then-president of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI), Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment. The protest, which also saw the participation of other prominent wrestlers like Rio Games bronze medallist Sakshi Malik and Tokyo bronze medallist Bajrang Punia, brought to light the serious issues plaguing Indian wrestling.
The protest led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Delhi Police, but the case has been mired in legal complexities. A verdict from a Delhi court is still awaited, adding another layer of uncertainty to Vinesh’s life. Throughout this period, Vinesh has had to balance her intense training and competition schedule with the stress and anxiety of the ongoing legal battle.
Forced Weight Drop and the Final Blow
In the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, Vinesh was forced to drop down to the 50kg division, despite her normal weight being 55-56kg. This decision was made after she competed in both the 50kg and 53kg divisions during the domestic trials for the Olympic qualifiers in March. The drastic weight cut was a challenging and grueling process for Vinesh, who had to constantly monitor her diet and training to ensure she could meet the strict weight requirements for her category.
The weight cut, combined with the immense pressure of competing on the world’s biggest stage, ultimately took its toll on Vinesh. A day after her disqualification, Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport, citing that she no longer had the strength to continue. The announcement sent shockwaves through the Indian sports community, with sporting icons from across the world expressing their support and admiration for the 29-year-old wrestler.
Conclusion
Vinesh Phogat’s journey to the Paris Olympics was one filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. From her dominant performances on the mat to the heartbreaking disqualification and subsequent legal battle, Vinesh has shown remarkable resilience and determination. Her story is a poignant reminder of the immense challenges faced by athletes, both on and off the field, and the mental and physical toll that competition at the highest level can take.
As the world waits for the CAS decision on August 16, Vinesh’s legacy as one of India’s greatest wrestlers is already secure. Her courage, both in the face of adversity and in standing up for what she believes in, will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. Whether or not her appeal is successful, Vinesh Phogat’s impact on Indian sports and her contribution to the fight for justice and fairness will be remembered for years to come.
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