In a statement about Vinesh Phogat’s appeal, the CAS stated that a verdict will be rendered prior to the conclusion of the Olympics in Paris.
After being disqualified shortly before the women’s 50kg gold medal match at the Paris Olympics, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s dreams of winning an Olympic silver medal have not been dashed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). After Vinesh was discovered to be overweight by just 100 grams during the weigh-in, she was disqualified from the competition and would not be receiving a medal. This was a technicality that denied her a chance to win the gold.
Vinesh promptly filed an appeal with CAS after being disqualified in an attempt to overturn the ruling. The following stages and an official statement accepting the appeal were released by CAS on Friday.
Even while CAS made it clear that it was unable to grant Vinesh’s request for a second weigh-in or to have her placed back in the gold medal match, it did consent to hear her argument in order to consider giving her a joint silver medal. While the legal procedure is ongoing, this action maintains Vinesh’s dreams of placing on the Olympic podium.
“On August 7, 2024, at 16:45 CEST, Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat (the Applicant) filed an application at the CAS Ad hoc Division regarding the decision made by United World Wrestling (UWW) to substitute her due to her unsuccessful second weigh-in, prior to the Women’s Freestyle 50kg gold medal match at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which was scheduled to start at 18:15 CEST on the same day (the Challenged Decision),” the CAS released a statement on Friday.
“The Applicant initially sought a decision from the CAS Ad hoc Division annulling the Challenged Decision and ordering another weigh-in before the final match as well as a declaration that she be declared eligible and qualified to participate in the final.
“However, she did not request urgent interim measures. The CAS Ad hoc Division procedure is fast, but it was not possible for a decision on the merits to be issued within an hour, bearing in mind that the Respondent UWW would have had to be heard first. The procedure is, however, ongoing and the Applicant has confirmed that she seeks the annulment of the Challenged Decision and that she requests to be awarded a (shared) silver medal.”
The CAS further informed on the appointments made to hear both Vinesh and the UWW on Friday. The decision is expected to come before the end of the Paris Olympics.
“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.
made to listen to the UWW and Vinesh on Friday. Anticipated is a decision made before to the conclusion of the Olympic Games in Paris.
The Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), in her capacity as a Sole Arbitrator, has been assigned the case, and she will meet with the parties today to hear arguments. The statement concluded, “The ruling of the Sole Arbitrator is anticipated to be released prior to the conclusion of the Olympic Games.