CAS Rejects Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal, India’s 7th Paris Olympic Medal Hopes Dashed

India’s chances of winning a seventh medal at the Paris Olympics have been dashed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal.

The CAS issued its verdict on Wednesday upholding the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision, which led to Vinesh’s dismissal on the day of her gold medal match.

The wrestling star had appealed for a joint silver medal after being disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams, weighing in at 50.100 kgs.

Despite multiple extensions, CAS ultimately upheld the strict enforcement of the rules, known for their rigid adherence to regulations set by sports federations.

The Sole Arbitrator, Dr Annabelle Bennett, granted additional time for both parties—Vinesh Phogat and the United World Wrestling, along with the IOC—to submit further evidence.

Represented by senior Indian counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, Vinesh’s legal team argued that the weight gain was a natural recovery process and that the athlete’s body weight was within limits on the first day of the competition. Despite these arguments, the CAS ruled against the appeal following a three-hour hearing on 9 August.