In a disappointing turn of events for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has upheld her disqualification from the gold medal match in the women’s 50kg freestyle category at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The decision means that Vinesh will not receive a medal, ending her hopes of Olympic glory.
Vinesh had entered the final with high expectations after a series of impressive performances, including a notable victory over Japan’s Yui Susaki. However, her dreams were dashed when she was found to be 100g over the weight limit during the morning weigh-in. This disqualification led to her being removed from the medal contention.
In her appeal to CAS, Vinesh argued for a reconsideration of her disqualification, seeking a joint silver medal alongside Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. However, CAS ruled that the disqualification was valid, emphasizing the importance of adhering to weight regulations in competitive sports.
The ruling has been met with mixed reactions, as fans and sports analysts express disappointment over the outcome. Vinesh’s journey in the Olympics has come to an abrupt end, leaving her and her supporters to reflect on what could have been.