‘Need Reasonable Standards, Prioritise Athlete’s Well-Being’: IOA President PT Usha on

The President of the Indian Olympic Association, Dr PT Usha remains shocked and disappointed at the decision announced by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) which dismissed Vinesh Phogat’s application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

According to the official statement made by the IOA, the operative part of the decision which has dismissed the application to award Phogat with a shared silver medal for the women’s 50kg category would have massive implications to the athlete and the sporting community as a whole.

READ MORE: No Silver for Vinesh Phogat as Wrestler’s Appeal Dismissed by CAS: Report

The statement further suggested the marginal discrepancy where Phogat was overweight by 100 grams would have an immense impact on her career but also raises concerns regarding the unclear rules and their interpretation.

In a bid to make weight, Phogat had to undergo extreme measures like cutting her hair, severe dehydration and drawing blood. She was also hospitalised after the weigh-in due to this which highlights the severity of the issue.

The governing body for the Olympics in India also suggested that the harsh call of disqualifying an athlete for missing weight on the second day should be further examined, which was also mentioned in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator.

During Phogat’s run to the wrestling final, she had made weight on the first day where she delivered some stunning performances by beating Japan’s Yui Susaki who was undefeated with 82 wins at the time in the Round of 16 clash.

The IOA also labelled the current regulations as ‘stringent and, arguably, inhumane,’ which also fails to take into account the physiological and psychological toll it takes on athletes, especially female athletes. They further highlighted the need for more rules and regulations that also take into account the athlete’s well-being.

READ MORE: Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Odyssey: A Timeline From Disqualification Till CAS Verdict

Following the order issued by the CAS, the IOA will continue to support Phogat and is also exploring more legal options. They will continue to ensure that her case is heard while advocating justice and fairness in sports while upholding the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone else involved in the sporting fraternity.

After being heartbroken following her disqualification, Phogat also announced she would retire from the sport, which sent further shockwaves to the nation.