IOA Under Fire: Senior Advocate Slams 'Unaccountability' in Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification

On Monday, a top counsel criticized the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for how it handled wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification owing to her weight. The counsel, Rahul Mehra, emphasized that the IOA should have backed Phogat, especially because the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was suspended at the time. The case only reached this point due to prompt action by pro bono counsel. The counsel, Rahul Mehra, emphasized that the IOA should have backed Phogat, especially because the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) was suspended at the time. The case only reached this point due to prompt action by pro-bono counsel.

He chastised the IOA for its lack of responsibility and competence, claiming that a "chalta hai" (casual) attitude prevails in all sports federations. "The IOA was expected to support Vinesh because the wrestling federation was suspended, but its head, Sanjay Singh, was present. The IOA should have supported Vinesh, but what we saw here was full unaccountability and unprofessionalism, and the chalta hai mindset is strongly ingrained in all federations, including the IOA" Mehra told India Today. Mehra also criticized IOA President PT Usha's remarks regarding Phogat, expressing disappointment that a former athlete could be so callous.

He claimed that Usha, as a woman who had overcome obstacles to achieve her accomplishment, should have shown more respect and not merely followed the orders of others. Mehra asked Usha to apologise, saying that doing so would demonstrate character.

Mehra contended in the Delhi High Court, where Phogat and others are seeking election to the Wrestling Federation, that athletes' interests should take precedence over federations'

He emphasized that sports federations exist to serve athletes, and that athletes should have a say in these organizations.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will rule on Phogat's appeal on Tuesday. The 29- year-old wrestler was eliminated from the women's 50kg wrestling final at the 2024 Olympics in Paris after being discovered to be 100 grams overweight.

Author: Aarya Kadam
News Writer