The Court of Arbitration for Sport adjourned an appeal by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 Friday. Phogat weighed in at 100 grams over the limit during the morning weigh-in and was disqualified from the Women’s 50kg Wrestling final against US wrestler Sarah Hildebrandt, just minutes before the match. Her disqualification for this slight excess, after winning three consecutive matches to reach the final, thus left her without a medal.
The IOA has engaged the services of senior lawyer and former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve to plead Phogat’s case. Under the UWW guidelines, the rules scrap a wrestler’s results if they miss the weight on any day of competition.
CAS Delays Vinesh Phogat’s Medal Ruling
Phogat had filed two appeals following her disqualification: one against the ruling which saw her miss the cut by 100 grams, and another which asked for the silver medal since she met the weight rules ahead of the final. If CAS goes in her favour, the IOC will have to award Phogat a joint silver medal.
Decisions on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal can be expected before the Paris Olympic Games end.
The IOC has confirmed that the ad hoc division of CAS has registered Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to declare her a joint silver medallist at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Phogat faced disqualification for being overweight. CAS’s Dr. Annabelle Bennett will hear Phogat’s appeal today with all relevant parties.
The ad hoc division of CAS, based in Paris and led by President Michael Lenard from the United States, will address all urgent matters related to the Olympics. They have rescheduled today’s hearing from 1:30 PM IST to 2 PM local time, or 5:30 PM IST.
