Wrestling Rule ‘Loophole’ That Might Assist Vinesh Phogat Win Case At CAS, Clinch Silver

Moments away from final glory, Vinesh Phogat noticed ‘guidelines’ denying her the chance to create historical past for India within the Paris Olympics 2024. The wrestler’s disqualification from the Paris Games gold medal match within the 50kg freestyle wrestling bout despatched shockwaves all throughout India, however the wrestler valiantly determined to problem the outcome on the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Ahead of the anticipated verdict announcement on Tuesday, it has been reported that the United World Wrestling (UWW) is opposing Vinesh’s plea, citing guidelines.

However, there stay sure loopholes in UWW’s rulebook that Vinesh might look to take advantage of and switch the decision in her favour.

As per a report in Revsportz, the wrestling physique means that the 100 grams, margin by which Vinesh failed the weigh-in, cannot be neglected. As guidelines do not enable, no exception could be granted to Vinesh. Hence, the Indian wrestler cannot be awarded a silver medal within the bout.

However, there stays a giant loophole on this planet wrestling physique’s rulebook too.

‘Loophole’ In UWW’s Rulebook:

According to UWW guidelines, the one who claims the repechage is the one who loses to the finalist. In the 50kg freestyle wrestling ultimate, Yui Susaki of Japan was given the chance to struggle for the bronze medal within the repechage rounds. But, as per the principles, Vinesh is not the finalist since she was disqualified from the gold medal match on the premise of a failed weigh-in.

The ultimate was performed between Yusneylys Guzman of Cuba and Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA. Then, on what foundation was Susaki allowed to compete within the repechage? If guidelines are to be adopted, Susaki should not have been allowed to play the repechage, however UWW allowed that to occur.

Logic means that Susaki should not be part of repechage battles as Vinesh’s guidelines had been expunged, not considered. But, that wasn’t the case.

While there appears to be a visual loophole within the UWW guidelines, it is all about how the Indian camp decides to take advantage of this when the ultimate CAS listening to takes place on Tuesday earlier than the decision is introduced.