In a significant blow to Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad hoc division has dismissed her appeal against the disqualification from the Olympic Games final. Phogat had sought a silver medal in the women’s 50kg category at the Paris Olympics after being disqualified due to exceeding the weight limit before the final match.
CAS issued a statement confirming, “The application filed by Vinesh Phogat on August 7 has been dismissed.”
In response, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha voiced “shock and disappointment” at the Sole Arbitrator’s decision. Usha criticized the ruling against Phogat’s appeal involving the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The IOA is reportedly “exploring further legal options” following the CAS ruling. Phogat was found to be 100 grams over the weight limit during the weigh-in last week and was set to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold medal.