Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to be awarded a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games has been accepted by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Represented by senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, Phogat filed her plea with the CAS ad hoc division on Friday afternoon.
The CAS issued its first official statement, confirming that it was unable to annul her disqualification from the Olympics due to the limited time available. Phogat was disqualified after being 100 grams over the 50kg limit during a second weigh-in, despite making weight on the first day and winning three bouts to reach the final.
Phogat has now requested to be awarded a shared silver medal in the 50kg category. The CAS has referred the matter to the Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC, who is serving as the Sole Arbitrator. A hearing with the involved parties is scheduled, with a decision expected before the conclusion of the Olympic Games.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is supporting Phogat’s appeal, arguing against the United World Wrestling (UWW) rules that led to her disqualification. According to UWW rules, a wrestler’s results are annulled if they fail to make weight on either day of the competition. IOA President Dr. PT Usha and Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) President Sanjay Singh had previously appealed to UWW President Nenad Lalovic to prevent the annulment of Phogat’s earlier victories.
The CAS statement noted that Phogat initially sought a decision to annul the disqualification and allow her to participate in the final match. However, due to procedural constraints and the need to hear from the UWW, a decision on the merits was not possible within the limited timeframe. The matter remains under consideration, with the CAS expected to issue a final decision on Phogat’s request for a shared silver medal.
