- August 10, 2024
CAS defers decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against disqualification till August 13 | Paris Olympics 2024 News – Times of India
The 29-year-old athlete was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics due to being 100gm overweight during the weigh-in on Wednesday.Initially, the highly anticipated verdict on Phogat’s appeal was scheduled to be announced this evening.However, the CAS has determined that more time is necessary to thoroughly consider the case before delivering its final ruling.
In a chaotic sequence of events, the Indian Olympic Association initially announced that the verdict would be revealed on Sunday, only to later clarify that the outcome would not be known until August 13.
“The ad-hoc division of CAS has extended time for the Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee matter to give a decision till 6-00 p.m. on August 13, 2024,” the IOA statement read, as quoted by PTI.
“The reference to August 11 in the earlier communication sent by me was to the time given to all parties to present any additional documents before the Sole Arbitator,” it added.
The body apologised for “the confusion and inconvenience caused”.
The Games will conclude on Sunday with a closing ceremony at Stade de France, the venue for the track and field events.
The CAS ad-hoc division, established specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Vinesh’s appeal against her disqualification on Friday.
Vinesh is requesting to be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was promoted to the final after Vinesh’s disqualification, despite having lost to her earlier.
American Sarah Hildebrandt claimed the gold after defeating Lopez in the final.
Vinesh was represented by prominent senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
Devastated by her disqualification, the world championships bronze-medallist announced her retirement on social media.
The United World Wrestling has already stated that it is not inclined to make an exception for her, though it may consider rule reforms in the future. International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach has expressed a similar stance.
India concluded the Games with six medals: one silver and five bronze. Two of the bronze medals were won by pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, while the lone silver was secured by Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion in men’s javelin throw.
