In a shocking and deeply disappointing turn of events, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) dismissed Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s petition against her disqualification at the Paris Olympics. This decision, confirmed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), is a glaring example of how flawed and unjust the Olympic policies have become, leaving the entire nation of India outraged and heartbroken.
Dr. PT Usha, President of the IOA, expressed her shock and outrage at the CAS’s ruling. The Sole Arbitrator’s decision to dismiss Phogat’s application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is nothing short of a betrayal of fairness and sportsmanship. This decision has not only robbed Vinesh Phogat of her rightful chance at glory but has also exposed the deeply flawed nature of the rules governing the Olympics.
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most revered wrestlers, was disqualified by the IOC for weighing a mere 100 grams over the permissible limit just moments before her gold medal bout. This minor weight discrepancy, which occurred at the most critical moment of her career, has been met with widespread condemnation. The decision to disqualify her over such a trivial issue is a harsh and unjust punishment, robbing her of the opportunity to compete and win for her country.
On August 7, Phogat filed an appeal against her disqualification, demanding that she be awarded a joint silver medal, as she was within the prescribed weight limit during her earlier bouts. The CAS’s decision to dismiss her appeal is a disgrace, reflecting the deep flaws in the Olympic policies. The refusal to acknowledge the injustice done to Phogat is a stain on the integrity of the Olympics.
Following this disqualification, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. In an emotional message, she expressed her profound sense of defeat, stating, “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken.” This tragic end to the career of one of India’s finest athletes is a direct result of the deeply flawed policies of the IOC, which have failed to protect the rights of athletes like Phogat.
माँ कुश्ती मेरे से जीत गई मैं हार गई माफ़ करना आपका सपना मेरी हिम्मत सब टूट चुके इससे ज़्यादा ताक़त नहीं रही अब।
अलविदा कुश्ती 2001-2024 🙏
आप सबकी हमेशा ऋणी रहूँगी माफी 🙏🙏
— Vinesh Phogat (@Phogat_Vinesh) August 7, 2024
The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat is a glaring example of how broken and unjust the Olympic system has become. The decision to punish an athlete for a minor weight discrepancy, especially at such a crucial moment, is a clear indication that the current rules are deeply flawed. This incident has not only devastated Phogat’s career but has also raised serious questions about the fairness and integrity of the Olympics.
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