The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has extended the deadline for the Sole Arbitrator, Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, to issue a decision on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal. Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling final at the Paris Olympics for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams.
Suspense on Vinesh Phogat’s medal continues
Vinesh Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, was initially disqualified from the Olympic final due to being slightly overweight on the morning of her bout against eventual gold medalist Sarah Ann Hildebrandt.
The CAS ad-hoc division, established specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Vinesh’s appeal against her disqualification. She challenged the decision promptly after her ouster.
Originally scheduled for August 11, the verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal will now be announced on August 13. The extension allows the Sole Arbitrator more time to deliberate and consider additional documents.
Vinesh was represented by a group of pro bono French lawyers, part of a panel set up for urgent cases during the Olympics. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), an interested party in the case, was represented by Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
In her appeal, Vinesh Phogat has requested that she be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who replaced her in the final. Vinesh argues that she was within the prescribed weight limit during her previous bouts.
विनेश के मेडल पर 13 अगस्त को आएगा फैसला
The ad hoc division of CAS has extended time till 6PM on August 11, for the Sole Abritator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the #Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the IOC to issue a decision.#IndiaAtOlympics #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/pg5NmOwaEk
— ANURAAG ॐ SHARMA 🇮🇳 (@7ANURAGSHARMA) August 10, 2024
The CAS clarified that Vinesh did not request urgent interim measures. Considering the respondents (United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee) needed to be heard, such measures were not feasible.
The wrestling world awaits the CAS decision, which will determine whether Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification stands or if she will be awarded a joint silver medal. The outcome will have significant implications for her and the sport.
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