CAS to deliver verdict on Vinesh Phogat's appeal before end of Paris Olympics

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's bid for an Olympic medal remains alive after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted her appeal against a disqualification that occurred just before the women's 50kg final at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh was disqualified after being found overweight by a mere 100 grams during the weigh-in, a technicality that not only dashed her hopes for gold but also left her without any medal, as disqualified athletes are generally ineligible to receive one.

In response to her disqualification, Vinesh promptly filed an appeal with CAS, challenging the decision and seeking to have it overturned. On Friday, CAS released an official statement confirming the acceptance of her appeal and detailing the subsequent legal procedures.

While CAS made it clear that they could not grant Vinesh’s request for a second weigh-in or reinstate her in the gold medal match, the organization did agree to consider her case for a potential joint silver medal. This decision provides Vinesh with a glimmer of hope for an Olympic podium finish as the legal proceedings continue.

Official statement from CAS

"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)," read the statement from CAS, issued on Friday.

Hearing and decision timeline

The CAS statement further explained that while Vinesh initially sought an urgent interim measure to participate in the final, the request was not feasible within the limited timeframe, given that UWW needed to be heard first. However, the case remains under review, with Vinesh now focusing on seeking 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 concluded.

As the legal process unfolds, Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic journey remains uncertain, but her determination to fight for her rightful place on the podium has kept her dreams alive.