The Court of Arbitration for Sport or CAS ad-hoc division is set to announce its decision regarding Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg wrestling category at the Paris Olympics 2024 by 9:30 pm IST today, August 10. The CAS confirmed that the panel has been granted an extension to finalise its verdict by 6 pm Paris time.
The appeal follows Vinesh’s disqualification due to being 100 grams overweight on the morning of her final match against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt from the USA, who ultimately won the gold medal. The United World Wrestling (UWW) had stripped Vinesh of her podium finish based on these weight limits.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) remains hopeful for a positive outcome, having supported Vinesh’s request for a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was the replacement in the final. The IOA emphasized Vinesh’s compliance with weight limits during her earlier bouts and expressed confidence in the resolution process.
Senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania represented Vinesh during the hearing. The proceedings lasted three hours, with submissions and oral arguments from all parties involved, including UWW, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the IOA.
The sole arbitrator, Dr Annabelle Bennett, indicated that a summary of the order could be expected soon, with a detailed explanation to follow. IOA head PT Usha expressed gratitude to the legal team and reaffirmed the organisation’s unwavering support for Vinesh, irrespective of the verdict.
In response to the situation, IOC President Thomas Bach noted his understanding of Vinesh’s position but questioned the implications of making small concessions in such cases, highlighting the complexities of setting precedents in sports.
Phogat, who announced her retirement from wrestling in light of the disqualification, has been a prominent figure in the sport, and her appeal’s outcome remains highly anticipated.
