Who is CAS that will decide Vinesh Phogat's medal fate in the Paris Olympics?

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the 2024 Paris Olympics has stirred significant controversy. After winning her semi-final match in the women's 50 kg category, Phogat was disqualified from the final for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in. This minor excess weight barred her from competing in the gold medal match, a decision that has now been appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The role of CAS

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is an independent institution founded in 1984 to resolve sports-related disputes through arbitration and mediation. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, CAS operates globally, including setting up ad-hoc divisions in Olympic host cities to handle disputes during the Games.

The CAS's jurisdiction covers various areas, including doping violations, eligibility issues, and disputes arising from sporting regulations. The decisions made by the CAS are typically final and binding and can only be appealed on limited grounds in special circumstances.

Notable sports disputes

The CAS has been involved in several high-profile sports cases over the years. One notable case was that of Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, who challenged the International Association of Athletics Federations' (IAAF) hyperandrogenism regulations. CAS ruled in her favour, allowing her to compete in women's events without undergoing medical intervention to lower her testosterone levels.
CAS also handled numerous doping cases during the Olympics, taking over from the International Olympic Committee's Disciplinary Commission in 2016. This included cases from various sports where athletes were either acquitted or sanctioned based on evidence presented.

The Vinesh Phogat appeal

Phogat's appeal to CAS seeks to overturn her disqualification and secure her the silver medal. Her case highlights the stringent nature of weight categories in combat sports and the extreme measures athletes sometimes take to meet these requirements. The CAS decision will determine whether she can be awarded a joint silver medal, considering her successful performance in the semi-finals before the weigh-in incident.

Meanwhile, many have come to Phogat’s support. American wrestler and Olympic gold medallist Jordan Burroughs has called for a reevaluation of the weigh-in rules for wrestling competitions. He proposed that athletes should have a more flexible weigh-in schedule that accounts for minor weight fluctuations, potentially allowing a grace period or buffer zone. Burroughs emphasised the need for rules that reflect the physical and practical realities faced by athletes, suggesting that the current stringent regulations can unfairly penalise competitors who miss weight by minimal amounts, as seen in Phogat's case.

The CAS decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal will be closely watched, not just by the wrestling community but by sports enthusiasts worldwide, as it underscores the importance of fair play and the rigorous standards athletes must adhere to.