Paris: Following her disqualification from the 50 kg category final at the Paris Olympics, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Phogat, who was slated to compete against the United States' Sarah Ann Hildebrandt for the gold medal, was stripped of her position on Wednesday due to exceeding the weight limit.
Prior to her disqualification, Dinshaw Pardiwala, the Chief Medical Officer of the Indian Olympic team, disclosed that Phogat had surpassed the stipulated weight limit by 2.7 kilograms following her semi-final match. He further mentioned that measures were implemented to lower her weight, including restrictions on her food and water intake.
According to a source within the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Phogat has petitioned the CAS for the silver medal. The decision is anticipated to be announced on Thursday morning.
"Vinesh Phogat has formally lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) contesting her disqualification, seeking the silver medal. The CAS is scheduled to deliver its decision tomorrow morning," the source informed ANI.
Phogat advanced to the gold medal match by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez with a score of 5-0 in the semi-finals on Tuesday evening.
President PT Usha of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed her dismay and disappointment at Phogat's disqualification. She affirmed that Phogat is in good physical and medical condition but expressed her disappointment. Usha highlighted that the support staff is diligently working to assist Phogat in managing her weight.
"Upon learning of Vinesh Phogat's disqualification, I am deeply shocked and disappointed. I had the pleasure of meeting Vinesh; she is physically and medically sound. Mentally, she is disheartened. Our support team is by her side, striving to help her achieve the required weight," PT Usha stated.
India has secured three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, all in the field of shooting. The nation has narrowly missed the opportunity for additional medals, finishing in fourth place in several events, including the 10m air rifle, 25m pistol, skeet team, badminton singles, and mixed archery team competitions.
