Vinesh Phogat's Appeal Dismissed by CAS

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has expressed her disappointment following the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) decision to dismiss her appeal regarding her disqualification from the gold medal bout at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Phogat was disqualified after weighing in at over 100 grams above the permissible limit for her 50kg category. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) had filed a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on her behalf, seeking a joint-silver medal after her semifinal victory against Cuba's Yusneylys Guzman. The CAS reserved its verdict on Phogat's disqualification on August 16, delaying the announcement three times before ultimately ruling against her on Wednesday. In response to the decision, Phogat took to Instagram, sharing a photo of herself lying on the mat, symbolizing her disappointment. The rigorous weight-cutting efforts she undertook, including sleepless nights of training and hydration management, ultimately proved insufficient, as she was found to be over the limit by just 10 grams. Following her disqualification, Phogat experienced dehydration and required medical attention. With the CAS ruling now final, the 29-year-old wrestler faces the reality of returning home empty-handed, having missed her chance at an Olympic medal. The IOA president, PT Usha, expressed shock and disappointment at the CAS's decision, highlighting the emotional toll on Phogat. Currently in Paris, Phogat is expected to return to India on August 17.