Vinesh Phogat Petition Dismissed:
After the Paris Olympics 2024, Indian fans faced a significant setback. The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) dismissed the appeal of star wrestler Vinesh Phogat. This means Vinesh will not receive the silver medal. Vinesh was disqualified just before the gold medal match because she was 100 grams overweight.
Vinesh had filed an appeal with CAS. The hearing had already taken place, but the decision date was continuously deferred. Yet, on Wednesday (August 14), the decision was finally rendered, and CAS dismissed Vinesh's appeal.
Initially, the decision in this case was expected on August 13, but the date was extended to August 16. However, the announcement came earlier than expected. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha also expressed disappointment over this matter.
Usha remarked that she was surprised by the CAS ruling. This decision means that India will now have a total of six medals at the Paris Olympics, including one silver and five bronze medals.
Source: aajtak
Disqualified Before the Gold Medal Match
What exactly happened, and how did this case start? During the Paris Olympics, Vinesh participated in three consecutive matches on August 6 and secured a berth in the finals of the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category, guaranteeing a silver medal. The gold medal match was scheduled for the night of August 7, but Vinesh was disqualified that morning due to being 100 grams overweight.
Following this, Vinesh filed an appeal with CAS, requesting permission to compete in the gold medal match. However, citing rules, this request was immediately denied. Vinesh then appealed for the silver medal in the event, which has also been rejected.
Source: aajtak
Vinesh Retires from Wrestling
On August 7, the final of the 50 kg freestyle wrestling category was held at the Paris Olympics. The next day, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling through a social media post.
Vinesh stated that the sport of wrestling had defeated her. She expressed her regret, stating, "I'm sorry that my courage and dreams have shattered. There's no more strength left. Farewell wrestling 2001-2024." She apologized and mentioned that she would be forever indebted to her supporters.
Vinesh's Commonwealth Achievements
Vinesh Phogat has won three consecutive gold medals in the Commonwealth Games. She clinched these golds in the 2014 Glasgow, 2018 Gold Coast, and 2022 Birmingham Games. Additionally, Vinesh won a gold medal in the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games.
She also secured a gold medal in the 2021 Asian Championship and has three silver medals from the Asian Championship as well. In the World Championship, Vinesh has earned bronze medals twice so far.
