The suspense surrounding Vinesh Phogat’s fate in the Paris Olympics continues, and Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, shares his thoughts. Phogat faced disqualification from the women’s 50 kg event due to being slightly overweight. Her appeal against this decision has been a nerve-wracking process.
Abhinav Bindra is hopeful about Vinesh Phogat’s CAS Verdict
Abhinav empathizes with Vinesh, acknowledging the incredibly tough situation she’s in. He emphasizes that rules govern sports, but he fully understands the emotional toll it takes on athletes.
“It’s an incredibly tough situation. Frankly, I don’t even know what to say. I mean the rules are very clear — where you draw a line. Sport is always governed by the rules. If you don’t govern sport by rules, there is no sport,” Abhinav Bindra said when asked about the Vinesh Phogat appeal.
“But, of course, I fully empathise with Vinesh. It’s an incredibly difficult time for her. Everybody’s heart is broken. We are all there for her. I had the opportunity to meet her as well.
Despite the uncertainty, Abhinav remains hopeful and positive. He urges everyone involved to be patient and await the final decision.
Dear Vinesh, It is said that sport is a celebration of human will. I have known that to be true many times in my career but never has it resonated more than today. As I look around me, I see a nation… pic.twitter.com/XflL03FJjY
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 8, 2024
“I really don’t know where this would end. I know the decision, now, has been postponed for a couple of days. So, I think one just has to be patient. I am not privy to the arguments that have been made, I am no legal expert. So patience is the key,” Bindra added.
“We, we are all conditioned to hope. I am being hopeful and remain positive. But, I am not a legal expert, I don’t know where it’s headed.”
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) deferred its verdict, extending the deadline to August 11. Vinesh’s plea for a joint silver medal hangs in the balance.
Also Read: R Ashwin provides his perspective on MS Dhoni’s participation in IPL 2025
