Mumbai, India – Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar has publicly expressed his support for wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who was disqualified from the 50kg category final at the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. Tendulkar, known for his advocacy for fairness in sports, has called for Vinesh to be awarded the silver medal she rightfully earned, describing the disqualification as unjust.
A Controversial Disqualification
Vinesh Phogat, one of India’s most decorated wrestlers, was disqualified just before the final round of her event for being overweight by a mere 100 grams. This decision came after a stellar performance that saw her dominating her opponents and securing a place in the finals. The disqualification, which shocked the sporting world, prompted Vinesh to announce her retirement and appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Tendulkar’s Stand
Taking to his official X account, Sachin Tendulkar expressed his disappointment over the disqualification, emphasizing that Vinesh had qualified fairly for the finals. He argued that disqualification on such grounds “defies logic and sporting sense,” especially when there was no breach of ethics or use of performance-enhancing drugs involved.
“Every sport has rules, and those rules need to be seen in context, maybe even revisited at times. Vinesh Phogat qualified fair and square for the finals. Her disqualification by weight before the finals, and hence, for her to be robbed of a deserving silver medal defies logic and sporting sense,” Tendulkar stated.
He further added, “It would have been understandable if an athlete were to have been disqualified for ethical breaches such as the usage of performance-enhancing drugs. However, Vinesh beat her opponents fairly to reach the top two. She definitely deserves a silver medal.”
The Path Forward
Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to CAS is currently under consideration, with the court expected to deliver a verdict before the conclusion of the Paris Olympics. The case has been assigned to Dr. Annabelle Bennett, who will serve as the sole arbitrator in the matter. Tendulkar, along with many in the sporting community, is hopeful that the court will rule in favor of Vinesh, ensuring that she receives the recognition she deserves.
Conclusion
Sachin Tendulkar’s support for Vinesh Phogat underscores the importance of fairness and justice in sports. As the world watches the outcome of this appeal, the incident has sparked a broader conversation about the rules and their interpretation in high-stakes competitions like the Olympics. Regardless of the final decision, Tendulkar’s advocacy highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to ensuring athletes are treated justly and given the accolades they rightfully earn.
