Welcome to the latest update on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Olympic finals. The Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ad-hoc division has once again postponed its ruling, setting a new date for August 16. This means that the Indian wrestler will have to wait a little longer for a resolution to her case.
The disqualification occurred because Phogat was found to be 100gm over the weight limit during the weigh-in process for the women’s 50kg freestyle final. The CAS ad hoc division president has granted an extension until August 16 for the decision on Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) matter.
The Indian wrestler’s appeal requests a joint silver medal alongside Yusneylis Guzman Lopez from Cuba. Vinesh’s legal team consists of French lawyers who are providing their services pro bono. In addition, senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania have been assisting with the case.
Despite the postponements, top athletes like Neeraj Chopra, PR Sreejesh, and Sachin Tendulkar have shown support for Vinesh and advocated for a silver medal. The IOC president expressed understanding but questioned the precedent small concessions could set.
The UWW chief emphasized the importance of following rules, indicating that they may not change the results. Vinesh, a three-time Olympian, made the difficult decision to retire from the sport following her disqualification, citing a lack of strength to continue.
