New Delhi: The Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) said on Friday that the verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s request for shared silver medal following her disqualification from the women’s 50 kg category final will be delivered before the Paris Olympic Games end on August 11.
Vinesh was disqualified from the competition after she was found to be 100 grams overweight during weigh-in on the morning of the final, on August 7.
Vinesh had initially challenged the decision of United World Wrestling (UWW) to replace her, seeking another weigh-in before the final bout. But it was not possible for CAS to take a decision within an hour.
Hence it’s now looking into Vinesh’s request that she be granted a shared silver for reaching the final.
CAS has referred the matter to sole arbitrator Dr Annaelle Bennett.
“An application was filed at the CAS Ad hoc Division at 16:45 CEST on 7 August 2024 by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat (the Applicant) in relation to the decision taken by United World Wrestling (UWW) to replace her, because of her failed second weigh-in, before the gold medal match of the Women’s Freestyle 50kg competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 that was due to commence at 18:15 CEST the same day (the Challenged Decision),” CAS said in a press release.
“The Applicant initially sought a decision from the CAS Ad-hoc Division annulling the Challenged Decision and ordering another weigh-in before the final match as well as a declaration that she be declared eligible and qualified to participate in the final. However, she did not request urgent interim measures. The CAS Ad hoc Division procedure is fast, but it was not possible for a decision on the merits to be issued within an hour, bearing in mind that the Respondent UWW would have had to be heard first.
“The procedure is, however, ongoing and the Applicant has confirmed that she seeks the annulment of the Challenged Decision and that she requests to be awarded a (shared) silver medal. The matter has been referred to the Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), sitting as a Sole Arbitrator, who will hold a hearing with the parties today. The Sole Arbitrator’s decision is expected to be issued before the end of the Olympic Games,” the statement read.
Senior advocate Harish Salve will represent Indian Olympic Association and argue on behalf of Vinesh.
The wrestler announced on Thursday she would be quitting the sport.
