The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has postponed its decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Olympic finals. The ruling will now be announced on August 11, reported news agency PTI.
“The ad hoc division of CAS has extended time till 6-00 p.m. on August 11, 2024, for the Sole Abritator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee to issue a decision,” a statement read.
“The reasoned order will be issued at a later date,” it added.
On August 9, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) conducted a three-hour hearing to review Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her Olympic disqualification. The Indian wrestler joined the proceedings virtually and presented her case to the tribunal.
Phogat was disqualified after being found 100 grams over the weight limit during the weigh-in for her gold medal match in the women’s 50kg wrestling event on August 7. Her legal team contended that she had not engaged in any fraudulent activity, arguing that the weight gain was a natural part of her body’s recovery process and should not be considered a breach of competition rules.
Phogat, represented by renowned attorneys Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, emphasized her right to manage her own body, asserting that her weight was within the limit on the first day of competition. The case, closely watched during the ongoing Paris Olympics, was overseen by Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett from Australia.
“IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter. We are proud of her countless achievements on the wrestling mat throughout her stellar career,” PT Usha, president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), was earlier quoted as saying.
