The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has postponed its decision on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal, with a new deadline set for August 11, 2024. The ad hoc division of CAS has extended the timeframe until 6:00 p.m. on August 11 for Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett to deliver a ruling. The detailed reasoned order will be released later.
Phogat, who challenged her Olympic disqualification due to exceeding the 50 kg weight limit by just 100 grams, had her silver medal revoked by the Olympic committee. She submitted her appeal on August 7.
During the hearing on Friday, Phogat attended virtually. Her French legal team initiated the arguments, followed by the United World Wrestling (UWW) and International Olympic Committee (IOC) representatives. Senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, representing the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), also presented their case, followed by additional arguments and closing comments from the IOC.
The CAS ad-hoc division, led by President Michael Lenard, is handling this dispute specifically for the Games. Phogat’s appeal seeks to be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who replaced her in the finals but lost to her in the semifinals. Phogat argues that she was within the weight limit during her earlier bouts.
The IOA expressed optimism about a favorable outcome for Phogat’s appeal. Meanwhile, IOC President Thomas Bach commented on the situation, noting the challenges of making decisions based on slight weight discrepancies and emphasizing that the final decision rests with CAS.
Following her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on Thursday. In a heartfelt message on X, she conveyed her sense of defeat and appreciation: “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.”
