The highest court had said a decision on the appeal would be made before the end of the Olympics, but CAS has granted sole arbitrator Annabelle Bennett more time. The court said the deadline can be extended “in exceptional circumstances”.
Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic disqualification explained
Last week at the Paris Olympics, Phogat swept the finals of the women’s 50kg freestyle event with three convincing wins, including one against wrestling royalty Yui Susaki of Japan.
However, the fighter was banned from taking part in the gold medal match against eventual winner Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States as she was found to be 100 grams over the prescribed limit at the regular morning weigh-in.
Shocked by the dramatic turn of events, the dejected fighter appealed the decision to the CAS for the last time and demanded that she be awarded a joint silver with Cuban fighter Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to Phogat but was then promoted to the final after the Indian’s disqualification.
A day after her heartbreaking disqualification, the 29-year-old fighter announced her retirement from the sport, saying she does not have the strength to continue.
Phogat was represented by prominent lawyer Harish Salve.
Sports icons spoke out in support of Phogat
Throughout this tumultuous phase, Phogat gained support from athletes. Japanese wrestler Rei Higuchi, who won the gold medal at the Paris Games, extended his support to Phogat. Like Phogat, Higuchi was disqualified from the Rio Olympics because he was found to be overweight.
“People don’t forget what she did for the country,” said star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar also posted in support of Phogat when he posted on X saying that the wrestler definitely deserved the silver medal.
“Vinesh, you have not lost but you have still been defeated. For us, you will always be a winner and apart from being the daughter of India, you are also the pride of India,” said Bajrang Punia, a bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics.
Indian Test cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin posted on X today saying, “Fingers crossed for Vinesh.”
Legendary Indian men’s hockey team goalkeeper PR Sreejesh said after returning from the Paris Olympics that Phogat deserved a medal after reaching the final.
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