Vinesh Phogat Awaits CAS Verdict on Paris Olympics Disqualification
Paris: The sports community in India is eagerly awaiting the verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification at the Paris Olympics. The CAS has heard arguments from all involved parties and is expected to announce its decision on Tuesday.
Vinesh Phogat, who had made a remarkable run to the final of the women’s 50kg freestyle event, including a notable victory over Japan’s Yui Susaki, was disqualified from the gold medal match against Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States. The disqualification was due to her being 100 grams over the prescribed weight limit during the morning weigh-in.
In response to her disqualification, Vinesh filed an appeal with CAS, requesting that she be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had been promoted to the final following Vinesh’s disqualification. The day after her disqualification, Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling, citing a lack of strength to continue. This decision was met with widespread support from the global sports community, including notable figures such as Japanese Olympic champion Rei Higuchi and American freestyle wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs.
Indian sports icons, including cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra, javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra, and hockey player PR Sreejesh, also rallied behind Vinesh, emphasizing her significant contributions to sports. On the eve of the verdict, boxer Vijender Singh expressed his solidarity with Vinesh through social media, reinforcing the support she has received.
International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach has expressed sympathy for Vinesh but questioned the implications of making exceptions to established rules. United World Wrestling (UWW) President Nenad Lalovic has indicated that the organization must adhere to its regulations, despite acknowledging the unfortunate circumstances.
The CAS ad-hoc division, established for resolving disputes during the Games, accepted Vinesh’s appeal on Friday. Her legal team includes French lawyers Joelle Monlouis, Estelle Ivanova, Habbine Estelle Kim, and Charles Amson, who are representing her pro bono. Senior Indian counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania are also assisting with the case. Salve, a former Solicitor General of India, has significant experience in international legal matters.
The outcome of the CAS decision will determine whether Vinesh Phogat will be awarded a joint-silver medal in the women’s 50kg freestyle category. As the sporting world awaits the verdict, the case underscores the complex interplay of rules, human factors, and international sports governance.
