IOC's Thomas Bach on Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification and Appeal

IOC President Thomas Bach expressed understanding for Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympic finals and her subsequent appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Phogat was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight and has since announced her retirement. Bach emphasized the need for strict rule enforcement in sports regulations.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach expressed a empathetic yet firm stance on Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Olympic finals, following her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and subsequent retirement announcement. Phogat, disqualified for being 100 grams overweight, demanded a joint silver medal which Bach discussed during an IOC media conference.

'I must say, I have a certain understanding for the wrestler; it's clearly a human touch,' said Bach, emphasizing the emotional weight of the issue. Despite this, he insisted that, 'the international (wrestling) federation, they have to apply their interpretation, their rules. This is their responsibility.'

Bach pointed out the broader implications of relaxing rules, asking, '100 grams may not sound much, but where do you draw the line? With 102 grams? How do you then handle minute differences in events like track sports?' He underscored the importance of consistency in sports regulations. Phogat's extreme efforts to meet weight requirements, including cutting her hair and severe dehydration, ultimately proved futile, leading her to state she no longer had the strength to continue in the sport.