Vinesh Phogat appeal: India’s hopes for a seventh medal at the Paris Olympics have been dashed as the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) denied Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a shared silver medal. Sources have confirmed that the CAS upheld the decision made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
#BREAKING CAS dismisses wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application for silver medal in Olympics wrestling.#ParisOlympics2024 #VineshPhogat pic.twitter.com/t7LK7UMwPH
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Dr. Annabelle Bennett, the Sole Arbitrator of the CAS ad-hoc division, extended the deadline for the verdict until August 13. This extension allowed Vinesh Phogat, United World Wrestling, the IOC, and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to present additional evidence and arguments.
Arguments Presented in a Marathon Hearing
The hearing, held on August 9, lasted three hours, during which both sides presented their cases. Vinesh’s appeal was initially filed by French pro-bono lawyers, but the IOA later enlisted senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania to represent her. They argued that her weight gain was a natural recovery process and not an intentional violation, emphasizing her right to maintain her health.
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Why Was Vinesh Phogat Disqualified?
Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg gold medal match after failing a weigh-in ahead of the final. Despite clearing the weigh-in on the first day and defeating three opponents, including Japanese wrestler Yui Susaki, Vinesh was found 100 grams overweight on the second day. As a result, the IOC disqualified her, allowing Cuba’s Guzman Uzneylys to replace her in the gold medal bout against USA’s Sarah Ann Hilderbrant.
CAS Decision Ends India’s Medal Hopes
The CAS decision to uphold the IOC’s ruling has ended India’s pursuit of a seventh medal at the Paris Olympics, as Vinesh Phogat will not share in the silver medal despite her earlier victories.
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