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E-mail Xinhua, August 15, 2024
India's wrestler Vinesh Phogat's petition for a joint silver medal in the Paris Olympics was dismissed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
"The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on 7 August 2024 is dismissed," local media quoted the CAS initial order delivered on Wednesday as having said.
Phogat was disqualified hours before her finals in the women's 50kg freestyle match at the Paris Olympics for being overweight by 100 gm.
Her disqualification broke over a billion hearts in India, with people taking to social media to express their support and sympathy for the wrestler.
Following her disqualification, she requested CAS to award her a joint silver medal.
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha expressed her shock and disappointment at CAS's decision to dismiss Phogat's application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
"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 IOA said in a statement.
"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 added that it was exploring more legal options. "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."
The IOA further said it would provide any possible assistance to Vinesh going forward.
"In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of 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." the IOA said.
Phogat has become the first Indian female wrestler to reach the finals of the Olympic Games, assuring herself of at least a silver medal in the women's 50kg. However, her being overweight on the morning of the final played spoilsport, as she was all set to compete against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal.
A day after her disqualification, she announced her retirement from wrestling, saying she did not have further strength to continue.
