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Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's quest for a silver medal at the Paris Olympics took a significant step forward as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad-hoc division concluded its hearing on her appeal. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed optimism for a favorable outcome.Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg freestyle final after weighing in 100 grams over the permissible limit. The American wrestler, Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, subsequently won the gold medal. Phogat appealed for a joint silver medal, arguing that the weight discrepancy was unintentional and did not affect her performance.The CAS ad-hoc division, established specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Phogat's appeal. The hearing took place virtually on Friday, with Phogat represented by senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. United World Wrestling, the governing body for wrestling, also presented its case.The IOA released a statement expressing its confidence in a positive resolution. "IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter," said IOA president PT Usha.Initially, reports suggested an interim order would be issued on Friday, but no official communication has been made yet. The IOA stated that the Sole Arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC, indicated that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, followed by a detailed order with reasons.International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach acknowledged Phogat's plea but raised concerns about setting precedents. "Where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don't give it anymore?" he said.Phogat's appeal has garnered widespread attention and support in India. The wrestling community and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the CAS hearing, hoping for a just resolution that recognizes Phogat's hard work and dedication.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed empathy for Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's situation but emphasized the importance of adhering to rules. Phogat was disqualified from the women's 50kg wrestling gold medal match after being found overweight by 100 grams.Bach acknowledged the human element in Phogat's predicament, stating that he understands her perspective. However, he stressed that the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) has the responsibility to enforce its regulations. He questioned the extent to which concessions can be made without compromising the integrity of the sport.Bach raised concerns about the potential implications of allowing exceptions to weight limits. He pointed out that in track events, where results are often determined by fractions of a second, a 100-gram weight difference could have a significant impact. He emphasized the need for consistency and fairness in applying rules across all sports.The IOC President also addressed the possibility of awarding two silver medals in Phogat's case. He stated that such a decision would not be possible under the current regulations. He reiterated that the UWW's decision must be respected.Phogat has appealed her disqualification to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Bach indicated that the IOC will abide by the CAS verdict. However, he emphasized that the UWW's interpretation of its rules must be taken into account.Bach's comments highlight the delicate balance between compassion and the need to maintain the integrity of sporting competitions. While he expressed sympathy for Phogat's situation, he also emphasized the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Kripa Shankar Blames WFIFormer Indian wrestler Kripa Shankar has expressed his disappointment over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being overweight. Vinesh, who was set to compete in the gold medal match on Wednesday, was disqualified for being a few grams overweight on the morning of her 50kg bout.Shankar, a former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, believes that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is to blame for not implementing the practice of taking weights twice during national events. He claims that Vinesh did not have any prior experience of giving her weight twice during an event."I don't think Vinesh ever had the experience of going for weigh-ins twice. Even in the national tournaments, there is no such criteria of taking the weights of the wrestlers twice," Shankar told NDTV. "I had once asked the Indian wrestling body not to implement half-finished rules, but they suspended me for six years."Shankar also criticized the WFI for prioritizing cost-cutting over providing wrestlers with the necessary ecosystem to succeed. "I feel that the wrestling body wants to avoid extra expenditure by organizing a one-day tournament. By doing so, you are not giving the wrestlers the right ecosystem to wrestle," he said.According to the new rules, wrestlers must meet the weight limit on both days of competition. Vinesh was eligible to compete on Day 1 after she made the weight. However, she was found to be a kilogram overweight on Tuesday night and managed to reduce 900 grams overnight. Despite not sleeping or eating, she was unable to shed the remaining 100 grams of extra weight.If a wrestler is found overweight, they have 25 minutes to reduce it through methods such as cycling, running, or sauna. Shankar believes that reducing weight overnight is not an easy task."Giving weight is such an important practice in wrestling. This might be a small thing for many, but this has cost us big time (with Vinesh's disqualification)," Shankar said.Vinesh's disqualification has sparked outrage among Indian wrestling fans and raised questions about the WFI's handling of the situation. Shankar's comments have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the need for better support and infrastructure for Indian wrestlers.

Neeraj Chopra, India's Olympic silver medalist, expressed his disappointment and sadness over the disqualification of wrestler Vinesh Phogat at the Paris Olympics. Phogat, who had initially defeated Japan's Yui Susaki in her opening bout, was disqualified for being overweight by approximately 100 grams.Chopra, who witnessed Phogat's triumph before his own qualification, was deeply affected by the news. "Whatever she has done here is an example," he said. "To beat Yui Susaki is a huge achievement. And after that, what she has been through... I don't understand the rules of wrestling well, but she was confidently on her way to gold."Chopra acknowledged Phogat's remarkable journey, overcoming physical setbacks and injuries throughout her career. "Vineshji's journey has been tough," he said. "In 2016, she overcame a dangerous injury, and in 2020, she had more injuries. She has been through so many personal setbacks.""For her to come back from that, recover, and get herself to this position, it was going so well," Chopra continued. "But then, maybe God wished something else for her. But we know that whatever she has done is great."Chopra's empathy for Phogat stems from his own understanding of the challenges and sacrifices involved in Olympic competition. "I haven't spoken to Vinesh yet, but I felt hurt for her," he said. "I know how much hard work and dedication it takes to get to this level."Despite the disappointment, Chopra remains optimistic about India's performance at the Paris Games. "We have a lot of talented athletes who are capable of winning medals," he said. "We just need to stay focused and give our best."

Vinesh Phogat's appeal to overturn her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 50kg weight division will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday at 9am Paris time. The Indian wrestler was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during her final weigh-in, resulting in her last place finish.Phogat's appeal seeks to overturn her disqualification and award her a shared silver medal. The hearing was initially scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed by a day. The Indian side, initially represented by pro bono lawyers, may now have an established lawyer to present Vinesh's case.The CAS has established an ad hoc division in Paris to hear cases during the Olympics, led by president Michael Lenard of the US. The division has dismissed several cases filed during the Games, including one by Spaniard David Sanchez Lopez on Thursday.The Indian contingent had previously appealed to the United World Wrestling (UWW), requesting that wrestlers not be disqualified for results achieved on days when they met the weigh-in requirements. However, the UWW declined to make any changes, emphasizing the need to adhere to rules without exception.Phogat's disqualification has sparked controversy, with many questioning the fairness of disqualifying an athlete for a minor weight discrepancy. The outcome of her appeal will be closely watched by the Indian sporting community and the international wrestling fraternity.

Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics has sent shockwaves through the Indian contingent and fans alike. The wrestler, who had emerged as a beacon of hope after her impressive performance on Tuesday, was found to be 100 grams over the 50kg weight limit during the weigh-in on Wednesday.Phogat, who normally competes in the 53kg category, had been forced to grapple in the 50kg weight class to qualify for the Olympics. She had overcome formidable opponents to reach the final, sparking immense pride and joy among Indians.However, the mood turned sour when news of her disqualification broke. Fans expressed heartbreak, dejection, and anger, while the Indian hockey team's loss to Germany in the semifinals added to the disappointment.Phogat's disqualification has raised questions about the risks involved in extreme weight cutting. Dr. Manoj Jain, a consultant for general surgery, explained that a person's body weight can fluctuate by 0.5 to 1 kg throughout a typical week. Phogat's nutritionist had planned for her to consume 1.5kg of food and liquids to ensure enough energy for her three duels on Tuesday.Despite following the normal weight cut procedure, Phogat was still 100 grams too heavy. Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala, the chief medical officer, revealed that Phogat had spent the previous night cycling and jogging to lose the 2kg she had gained after her Tuesday's weight check and three bouts.Phogat's disqualification has sparked a debate about the need for stricter regulations regarding weight cutting. Some experts believe that the practice can be dangerous and should be discouraged, while others argue that it is a necessary evil in competitive sports.Despite the setback, Phogat's fighting spirit and determination have inspired many. Fans and fellow athletes alike have expressed their support and belief that she will bounce back stronger.

Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty's response to wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 has sparked controversy online. Murty's remarks, which downplayed the significance of Phogat's disqualification, were met with criticism from many netizens."It happens. What to do. It is part of the game. I feel sorry about it. That's all I can tell you," Murty told news agency PTI outside parliament on Wednesday.Phogat, 29, was disqualified for being 100 gm overweight ahead of her 50kg category gold medal bout in the Olympics on Wednesday. The setback sent shockwaves in India, filling her fans and supporters with anger and angst.Murty's response was met with a barrage of criticism on social media, with many users accusing her of being insensitive and dismissive of Phogat's disappointment."Simplicity at its finest," X user Ujyant Ramesh said sarcastically, taking a dig at Sudha Murty's public persona of simplicity."Billions of Indians are heartbroken today because of disqualification of Vinesh. But this statement is like rubbing salt over it," another user, with the handle named Amockxi FC, said."You protest. Can't keep quiet," one user said.However, some users defended Murty's remarks, arguing that she was simply stating the facts."Sudha Murty ji is absolutely right. If we words pinch you, then it's your problem. She is telling the truth in a practical way," he said.Phogat announced her decision of retirement on social media, seeking forgiveness from everyone who supported her.Last year, Murty, who is the wife of Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, faced backlash on the internet for her statements on her food preferences and saying that she carries a spoon with her."I am adventurous in my work, not in my food. I am in fact scared. I am a pure vegetarian, I don’t even eat eggs, or garlic. What I am scared of is, is that the same spoon will be used for both, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. It weighs on my mind a lot! Hence when we go out, I only search for veg restaurants. Or, I carry one bag full of eatables. I carry ready-to-eat stuff, that you have to just heat in water, I carry poha," Sudha Murty had said in an the interview with YouTube interview “Khaane Mein Kya Hai”.

Vinesh Phogat, India's wrestling icon, has announced her retirement from the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the wrestling world. Her sister, Geeta Phogat, a renowned wrestler herself, paid tribute to Vinesh's remarkable career, expressing gratitude for her contributions to the sport and her role as an inspiration for countless women.Vinesh's decision to retire came after her disqualification from the 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics 2024 due to exceeding the weight limit. The news sent shockwaves through the Indian sporting community, as Vinesh had been a medal contender.Throughout her illustrious career, Vinesh achieved numerous accolades, including two World Championships bronze medals, an Asian Games gold and bronze, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. Her unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence made her a formidable opponent on the mat.Geeta Phogat, in her heartfelt message, acknowledged Vinesh's unwavering passion and struggle, which she believes will be remembered for generations to come. She hailed Vinesh as a role model for young girls, inspiring them to break barriers and pursue their dreams.Vinesh's disqualification was a bitter end to an otherwise stellar career. However, her legacy extends far beyond medals and trophies. She has been a trailblazer for women in wrestling, proving that they can compete at the highest level and achieve success.Despite the disappointment of her disqualification, Vinesh has shown resilience and determination. She has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in an attempt to overturn the decision and secure the silver medal. The verdict is expected on Thursday morning.Vinesh Phogat's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian wrestling. Her contributions to the sport have been immense, and she will be remembered as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of wrestlers and empower women to pursue their dreams.

Indian Athletes Face Disappointment on Day 12 of Paris Olympics 2024Day 12 of the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024 brought mixed fortunes for Indian athletes, with weightlifter Mirabai Chanu narrowly missing out on a bronze medal and wrestler Vinesh Phogat being disqualified from the gold medal match.WeightliftingMirabai Chanu, India's weightlifting star, had a disappointing outing in the women's 49kg category. She lifted 88kg in snatch, putting her in contention for a medal. However, she could only manage 111kg in clean and jerk, resulting in a total lift of 199kg. This placed her fourth overall, just short of a historic second Olympic medal.WrestlingVinesh Phogat's Olympic journey came to an abrupt end when she was disqualified from the women's 50kg gold medal match for failing to make weight. She was reportedly found to be 100gm overweight on the morning of the bout. Phogat, who had been a medal contender, expressed her disappointment on social media, announcing her retirement from wrestling.Table TennisIndia's women's table tennis team, consisting of Sreeja Akula, Manika Batra, and Archana Ghosh, suffered a 1-3 defeat to Germany in the quarter-finals. The team had a strong start, winning the first game, but Germany fought back to claim the next three games and advance to the semi-finals.AthleticsIn athletics, Avinash Sable finished 11th in the men's 3000m steeplechase final with a time of 8:14:18s. Jyothi Yarraji placed seventh in the women's 100m hurdles heats. Other Indian athletes, including Sarvesh Kushare, Suraj Panwar, Priyanka Goswami, and Annu Rani, failed to qualify for their respective finals.