CAS Enforces Weight Limit Rule, Rejects Vinesh Phogat's Appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has ruled athletes must adhere strictly to weight limits, denying Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's request for leniency after her disqualification from the Paris Olympics final for being 100gm overweight. Her appeal was rejected despite multiple postponements and IOA outcry.

In a decisive ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has declared that athletes must strictly adhere to weight limits, allowing for no exceptions. This decision came as CAS rejected Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics final for being 100gm overweight.

On August 14, an ad-hoc division of CAS denied Phogat's appeal, sparking a strong reaction from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The CAS detailed its reasons on Monday, stating that the rules leave no room for tolerance and explaining that athletes bear the responsibility to stay within weight limits.

Despite acknowledging Phogat's argument that her minor excess weight was due to factors like drinking water and pre-menstrual water retention, the CAS maintained that the regulations are clear. Phogat had sought a joint silver with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who advanced to the final after Phogat's disqualification. However, the CAS held firm on its decision.