Olympics24 : Chanu misses medal in weightlifting, Phogat to appeal to reinstate silver

 

Despite being disqualified from the Olympics due to excess weight, Vinesh Phogat is not giving up. She has filed a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking a silver medal. The decision on this matter is expected on Thursday.

Vinesh claims she reached the finals on Tuesday without any weight issues. Therefore, she believes she deserves at least a silver medal if she was unable to compete in the final. The CAS will decide on her appeal on Thursday.

The CAS was established in 1983 to address sports-related disputes. Athletes and sports organizations from any country can file complaints. 

If the CAS rules in Vinesh's favor, she has a chance to receive a silver medal. If an athlete proves that their medal was unjustly taken away, the CAS can order the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to return the medal. Additionally, the responsible organization may be instructed to issue a public apology and, in some cases, compensate the athlete financially for damages. CAS decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

On Wednesday morning, it was revealed that Vinesh would not be able to compete in the women's 50 kg final due to being 100 grams overweight. Despite working all night to reduce her weight, she fell ill due to dehydration and was hospitalized. PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association, visited her in the hospital. India announced its intention to appeal to the IOC, but the appeal was not acknowledged. Subsequently, Vinesh filed a complaint with the CAS, and the decision is awaited on Thursday.

In other news, the Paris Olympics saw another disappointment for India. Saikhom Mirabai Chanu finished fourth in the women's 49 kg weightlifting category, lifting a total of 199 kg. She had won India’s first medal at the Tokyo Olympics. This time, she lifted 1 kg less than the bronze medalist. Chanu was India's only weightlifter at these games, and this marks the sixth event where Indian athletes have finished fourth.

Initially, Mirabai lifted 88 kg in the snatch, tying for third place with Thailand's competitor Surodchana Khambao. China's Hou Zhihui lifted 89 kg for second place, while Romania's Valentina Cambhei led with 93 kg. Returning from an injury, Chanu could not meet expectations in the snatch, causing her to fall behind.

In the clean and jerk, Mirabai, known for her strength, managed only 111 kg. China's Zhihui lifted 117 kg, setting an Olympic record with a total of 206 kg to win gold. Valentina from Romania secured silver with a total lift of 205 kg, lifting 112 kg in the clean and jerk. Thailand's Khambao lifted 112 kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 200 kg and winning bronze. Mirabai, lifting 1 kg less, finished fourth.