Is Vinesh Phogat's Disqualification Justified? Challenging the Rules of Amateur Wrestling

The question of whether Vinesh Phogat's disqualification from the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo was justified is one that isn't as straightforward as it may seem. This article delves into the nuances of the case, considering the rules, past precedents, and broader implications.

Understanding the Rules and Precedents

According to the rules of amateur wrestling, Vinesh Phogat missed the weight limit by 100 grams. Consequently, she was deemed ineligible for the gold medal. Since this was an amateur event, the disqualification also meant that the match was not worthy of proceeding further, as the aim was solely for the medal.

Across various combat sports, missing the weight limit frequently results in a financial penalty rather than outright disqualification. In such cases, athletes are often allowed to continue competing, though they may face repercussions in terms of prize money. Typically, if an athlete is disqualified due to missing weight in a title match, they are not eligible to win the title, but the bout proceeds.

In Vinesh Phogat's case, she qualified for the finals and, until the final weigh-in, had not committed any foul. Therefore, she should be considered eligible for at least a silver medal. The mere fact that she missed the weight limit by a small margin should not disqualify her from the silver medal, as this does not reflect on her overall performance up until the finals.

Challenging the "Rules Are Rules" Doctrine

The notion of "rules are rules" has been challenged over the years, particularly in contexts where systemic biases were evident. For instance, in the 1960s, segregation laws were deeply entrenched in the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. and others fought to change these oppressive rules, leading to substantial societal improvements.

Similarly, in the realm of sports, rules are not always applied equitably. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) itself has shown a double standard, allowing a disqualified Ukrainian fencer to participate and win the gold in Paris 2024. This raises questions about the integrity of the rule enforcers and the disparities in how rules are applied to athletes from different backgrounds and nations.

The Role of Power and Privilege

It's worth noting that Thomas Bach, the former president of the IOC, was closely involved in both decisions: the disqualification of Vinesh Phogat and the reinstatement of the Ukrainian fencer. Such decisions highlight the influence of key figures in sports administration and their power to bend or apply rules as they see fit.

The outcomes often reflect the power dynamics and privilege inherent in the system. Vinesh Phogat, a celebrated and talented Indian wrestler, faced disqualification based on a technicality, whereas a Russian athlete was allowed to continue despite being disqualified. This disparity raises serious questions about the fairness and impartiality of the rules and their enforcement.

Therefore, in the case of Vinesh Phogat, it is clear that her disqualification was not justified. Instead of adhering to rigid and potentially biased rules, the focus should be on recognizing an athlete's overall performance and integrity. It is high time that sports organizations challenge and reform their rules to ensure that they are fair and equitable for all participants.

Conclusion

The disqualification of Vinesh Phogat from the 2020 Olympics was a contentious issue that questioned the integrity of the rules governing amateur wrestling. While missing the weight limit by 100 grams invalidated her chance at the gold, her overall performance in the finals warrants a silver medal. Moreover, the cases of the Ukrainian fencer demonstrate the double standards and favoritism that can occur within international sports. It is crucial to examine and reform these rules to ensure justice and equality for all athletes.