The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delayed its decision on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg wrestling at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Vinesh will have to wait till August 13 to know her fate.
The ad hoc division of CAS, which deals with disputes during the Games, has extended the deadline for sole arbitrator Dr Annabelle Bennett to make a decision until 6:00 pm on 13 August 2024. CAS had initially planned to announce the verdict at 9:30 pm IST on 10 August, but the decision was postponed. It was then postponed to 11 August, and now CAS has requested additional documents to assist with the decision.
The earlier communication referring to 11 August was intended to give all parties time to submit additional documents, not for the final decision, as stated by CAS.
On Friday, the CAS confirmed that the verdict will be issued before the end of the Olympics, acknowledging that the hearing has been completed. This hearing is part of the special division created to resolve disputes during the Games.
Vinesh’s appeal came after she was disqualified from competing in the final against gold medallist Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the US because she was 100 grams overweight. United World Wrestling (UWW) had removed her from the competition in accordance with the rules.
Vinesh’s appeal seeks to be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to her in the semi-finals. Vinesh’s case was represented by senior lawyers Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has expressed hope that the outcome will be positive. IOA President PT Usha praised the legal team and reiterated the organisation’s unwavering support to Vinesh, irrespective of the final decision.
The ad hoc division had previously indicated that a decision would be taken before the end of the Games on Sunday. Vinesh, disappointed by his disqualification, announced his retirement from wrestling, saying he no longer had the strength to continue.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach commented on the situation and expressed sympathy for Vinesh, but questioned where the line should be drawn on such concessions. He noted the difficulty of making decisions based on minor differences, such as 100 grams, and wondered how such considerations would apply to sports with even smaller margins, such as track and field events.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport will deliver its final verdict on the matter on Tuesday 13 August. This decision will determine whether Phogat’s disqualification is upheld or whether she is awarded the silver medal she is competing for.
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