Decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal will be issued before end of Paris Olympics, confirms CAS

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s hope for getting an Olympic silver medal in the ongoing Paris Olympics is still alive. Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has reportedly accepted Vinesh’s appeal following a disqualification that occurred just before the gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg category at the marquee event.

CAS issued an official statement on Friday acknowledging the appeal and outlining the next steps.

As per reports, CAS clarified that it could not accommodate Vinesh’s request for a second weigh-in or reinstate her in the gold medal match. However, the international body agreed to hear her case regarding the possibility of awarding her a joint silver medal. The development keeps Vinesh’s hopes of an Olympic podium finish alive as the legal process unfolds.

“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),” the statement issued by CAS read.

“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 added.

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