Vinesh Phogat may have a chance to overturn her disqualification and secure a silver medal at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to a potential loophole in the United World Wrestling (UWW) rulebook. The Indian wrestler was disqualified from the 50kg freestyle final due to a weigh-in issue, prompting her to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). With the verdict expected soon, reports indicate that while UWW is opposing her plea, there is a discrepancy in the rules that could work in her favor.
The rule in question relates to the repechage rounds, where a wrestler who loses to the finalist is allowed to compete for a bronze medal. In Vinesh’s case, she was disqualified, which technically means she wasn’t the finalist. However, Japan’s Yui Susaki, who lost to Vinesh, was still allowed to compete in the repechage, raising questions about the rule’s application.
This inconsistency could provide Vinesh with a strong argument as she awaits the CAS ruling. If her legal team can successfully argue this point, Vinesh might see the disqualification overturned and be awarded the silver medal.
