Today, On 13th July, The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is set to announce its verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification tonight. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and senior advocate Harish Salve will address the media at 9:30 PM to discuss the outcome.
Denied a chance to compete for an Olympic medal due to disqualification after failing the weigh-in, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has taken her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Vinesh was on the brink of making history as the first Indian female wrestler to compete for a gold medal, but on the day of her bout, her weight exceeded the limit by 100 grams. This led to her disqualification from the event, dashing her hopes of at least securing a guaranteed silver medal.
This shocking development prompted the Indian government to intervene, with the nation’s sports minister revealing that the Indian Olympic Committee lodged a strong protest with United World Wrestling over the decision.
A devastated Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling just a day after her disqualification. However, she has now turned to CAS, seeking to be awarded a joint silver medal.
According to reports, CAS gave the Indian team until 9:30 PM IST on Thursday to finalize their legal representation. The Indian contingent secured the services of Harish Salve to represent them in court.
After several delays, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) issued a statement regarding the anticipated release of the verdict.
The IOA statement read,
“The ad-hoc division of CAS has extended the time for Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett to deliver a decision in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee case until 6:00 p.m. on August 13, 2024,”
Vinesh Phogat‘s appeal arises from her disqualification after she found to be slightly overweight by approximately 100 grams following her victory in the semi-final bout of the 50-kilogram weight category. This minor discrepancy in weight led to her disqualification, sparking a significant controversy.
In her appeal, Phogat sought a joint silver medal, arguing that the disqualification due to such a small margin is unjust. The case has attracted attention at the highest levels, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) being a party to the proceedings.
Additionally, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) become involved as an affected party, reflecting the broader implications of the case for Indian sports.
Representing Vinesh Phogat in this crucial legal battle is Senior Advocate Harish Salve, a highly respected figure in the legal community. The hearing before the CAS already concluded, and all eyes are now on the upcoming verdict, which could have significant ramifications for the athlete and the broader sporting community.
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