The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has asked for more time to appoint a lawyer to represent Vinesh Phogat in her appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). Vinesh has filed an appeal against her disqualification in the 50 kg wrestling category on two counts.
Details of the Appeal
The first part of her appeal was a request to allow her a second weigh-in after she was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight before her gold medal bout on August 7. This request was rejected, and the gold medal match proceeded as scheduled. The second part of her appeal is to award her a silver medal, arguing that she had earned it with a proper weigh-in on Tuesday. CAS has agreed to deliberate on this issue.
Legal Representation and Hearing Rescheduling
According to the latest reports, CAS has granted the Indian contingent until 9:30 PM IST tonight to finalize their legal representation. The Indian camp is actively seeking a top legal expert for the hearing, which has now been rescheduled to 10 AM local time tomorrow (1:30 PM IST). An ad hoc division of CAS has been established in Paris to resolve any disputes arising during the Olympic Games.
Current Status and Future Steps
Vinesh is currently represented by four lawyers from Paris, but the IOA is exploring the possibility of involving Indian legal experts for the upcoming hearings. The outcome of the hearing may not be decided immediately, and the case could extend further.
Vinesh Phogat’s Retirement Announcement
This legal battle comes after Vinesh announced her retirement earlier on Thursday, citing a lack of strength to continue in the sport. Her disqualification and subsequent appeal have garnered significant attention, with many supporters hoping for a favorable resolution.
Conclusion
The rescheduling of Vinesh Phogat’s CAS hearing highlights the complexities involved in her legal battle. As the Indian Olympic Association works to secure the best possible representation, the sports world watches closely to see how this situation will unfold.