Vinesh Phogat's appeal dismissed by CAS: Can the wrestler challenge the verdict?

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Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal was dismissed by CAS ad-hoc division. What legal options does she have now? read more

 Can the wrestler challenge the verdict?

Vinesh Phogat exercised whole night to lose the 2kg excess weight but failed the second weigh-in by 100 grams. PTI

Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from Paris Olympic Games final has been rejected by the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the IOA said in a statement on Wednesday.

Vinesh, 29, was disqualified for being 100gms overweight at the time of her weigh-in on the morning of the women’s 50kg freestyle final last week.

In a statement, quoting President PT Usha, IOA said the ruling is a “stark reminder” of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritise athletes’ well-being."

International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach and United World Wrestling (UWW) head Nenad Lalovic have argued in favour of the rules, saying they can’t be bent to avoid wider ramifications.

Can Vinesh Phogat challenge the verdict?

As per the CAS rules listed on their website, any verdict can be challenged, but only on a “very limited number of grounds”.

PT Usha said that the body will seek a legal recourse and stands by Vinesh Phogat. “The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh’s case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times,” she said in the statement.

“Judicial recourse to the Swiss Federal Tribunal is allowed on a very limited number of grounds, such as lack of jurisdiction, violation of elementary procedural rules (e.g. violation of the right to a fair hearing) or incompatibility with public policy,” the CAS website said.

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