Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Silver Hopes Revived After CAS Appeal

New Delhi: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s quest for an Olympic silver medal has been revived after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted her appeal following a controversial disqualification in the women’s 50kg category at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh was disqualified just before the gold medal bout due to being overweight by a mere 100 grams during the weigh-in, a technicality that not only cost her the chance at gold but also seemed to end her hopes of returning home with any medal.

Unwilling to let the decision stand, Vinesh quickly filed an appeal with CAS, challenging the disqualification. On Friday, CAS issued an official statement confirming the acceptance of her appeal and outlining the process ahead.

While CAS stated that it could not grant Vinesh’s request for a second weigh-in or reinstate her in the gold medal match, the organization agreed to consider her plea for a joint silver medal. This development keeps Vinesh’s hopes of securing an Olympic podium finish alive as the legal proceedings continue.

“An application was filed at the CAS Ad hoc Division on 7 August 2024 by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat regarding the decision by United World Wrestling (UWW) to disqualify her due to a failed weigh-in before the gold medal match of the Women’s Freestyle 50kg competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024,” CAS announced in its statement.

The case will now be heard by Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), appointed as the Sole Arbitrator, with a decision expected before the conclusion of the Paris Olympics.

Vinesh’s fight for justice has drawn significant attention, and her supporters are hopeful that the CAS ruling will ultimately allow her to claim the silver medal she was initially denied.