On Monday(12th August), Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra criticised the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) for mishandling Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification due to her weight, especially during the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) suspension. He highlighted that the case progressed due to the timely intervention of pro bono lawyers.
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NEW DELHI: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has come under fire for its handling of renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat‘s disqualification due to a minor weight discrepancy. On Monday(12th August), senior advocate Rahul Mehra openly criticized the IOA, emphasizing their failure to support Phogat during a crucial moment in her career, especially given the Wrestling Federation of India’s (WFI) suspension at the time.
Mehra did not hold back in his criticism, pointing out that the IOA’s actions were far from what was expected of a governing body responsible for athletes’ welfare. He stressed that Phogat, who has consistently brought honor to the country through her performances, deserved the IOA’s backing during her ordeal. The advocate highlighted that the case only progressed due to the intervention of pro bono lawyers, which underscores the lack of support from the IOA.
“Given that the Wrestling Federation was suspended, the IOA was expected to support Vinesh Phogat, but instead, its president, Sanjay Singh, was present at the event. The IOA should have stood by Vinesh, but what we witnessed was a complete lack of accountability and professionalism, with a pervasive ‘chalta hai’ attitude entrenched in all federations, including the IOA.”
– Mehra expressed in his remarks.
Mehra also voiced his disappointment over the comments made by IOA President PT Usha regarding Phogat’s situation. Usha, a former athlete who has faced her share of challenges, was expected to show empathy and understanding toward Phogat. However, Mehra noted with dismay that Usha appeared to lack the compassion that should come naturally to someone who has battled similar struggles in the world of sports.
“It is disheartening that someone like PT Usha, an athlete who understands the challenges faced by sportspeople, could display such a lack of empathy. As a woman who has broken barriers to achieve her position, Usha should have demonstrated more respect and not merely followed the directives of others.”
-Mehra remarked.
He further urged Usha to consider offering an apology to Phogat, stating that doing so would not be a sign of weakness but rather an indication of strong character and leadership.
“Mehra urged Usha to apologize, stating that such an action would reflect strength of character.”
– he added.
Mehra’s involvement in the matter extends beyond public criticism; he is also representing Phogat in the Delhi High Court. The court proceedings are part of a larger effort by Phogat and other athletes to prompt elections within the Wrestling Federation of India. Mehra argued passionately that the interests of athletes must always take precedence over the bureaucratic concerns of sports federations.
“The interests of athletes should be prioritized above those of the federations.”
– Mehra stated firmly, emphasizing that sports federations exist primarily to serve the athletes, not the other way around.
He called for a system where athletes have a significant voice in the governance and functioning of these organizations.
This issue is expected to intensify as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) prepares to deliver its verdict on Phogat’s case. The 29-year-old wrestler was disqualified from the Paris 2024 Olympics women’s 50kg wrestling final after being found just 100 grams overweight.
