Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Medal Verdict Postponed Again by CAS

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal Verdict Postponed Again by CAS

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic medal hopes hang in the balance as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has once again postponed the verdict date for her appeal. The Indian wrestler was disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024 women’s 50kg wrestling final for being 100 grams overweight.

Phogat’s appeal to CAS argues that she was within the permissible weight limit when she qualified for the final and should therefore be awarded a shared silver medal. However, the verdict date has been deferred twice, with the latest postponement to August 16.

Phogat’s legal team, including French lawyers and senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania, have been working tirelessly on her case. Singhania has expressed optimism about the lengthy deliberation by CAS, stating that it indicates serious consideration of the matter.

Despite the low success rate at CAS, Singhania remains hopeful for a landmark decision in Phogat’s favor. He acknowledges the difficulty of the case but believes in Phogat’s determination and the strength of her legal team.

Phogat’s supporters and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) are eagerly awaiting the verdict, which could potentially grant her a long-awaited Olympic medal. Regardless of the outcome, Phogat’s unwavering spirit and resilience have already made her a champion in the eyes of many.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Medal Hopes Hinge on Landmark CAS Decision

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal Hopes Hinge on Landmark CAS Decision

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Medal Quest: A Landmark Case at CAS

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s fight for a silver medal at the Paris Olympics has reached a critical juncture at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS). Phogat’s lawyer, Vidushpat Singhania, has expressed cautious optimism about the outcome, despite the historically low success rate at CAS.

Singhania acknowledged the challenges in securing a favorable verdict, but emphasized the significance of Phogat’s case. “We are asking for a landmark decision from the arbitrator,” he said. “It’s a little difficult, but let’s hope something big happens.”

Phogat’s disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle gold medal match due to an extra 100 gm weight during weigh-in has sparked controversy. She has appealed to CAS, demanding a joint silver medal.

The ad hoc division of CAS has extended the deadline for the Sole Arbitrator, Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, to give a decision until 5:00 p.m. on August 13, 2024. This extension suggests that the matter is being taken seriously by the arbitrator.

Singhania highlighted the importance of public support for Phogat. “Let’s all pray for Vinesh,” he said. “Let’s hope she gets a medal. Even if she doesn’t get it, she is a champion.”

Phogat’s case has garnered widespread attention in India, with many expressing their support for her. The outcome of the CAS hearing will not only determine Phogat’s Olympic medal status but also set a precedent for future cases involving weight-related disqualifications.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Silver Medal Appeal: CAS Verdict Looms

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Silver Medal Appeal: CAS Verdict Looms

The Paris Olympics may have concluded, but the drama surrounding Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification continues. On Tuesday, August 13, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) will deliver its verdict on Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal.

Phogat’s disqualification stemmed from her failure to meet the weight limit for the women’s 50kg freestyle final. Despite becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final, she was barred from competing after being found overweight by 100 grams.

Phogat, backed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), appealed to the CAS, arguing that the excess weight was due to the distance between the competition venue and the Games Village, as well as the tight schedule between her bouts. They also claimed that the 100-gram weight difference provided no competitive advantage.

However, the United World Wrestling (UWW) has maintained that it adhered to the rules of the competition and that there will be no major overhaul in the weigh-in rules.

Despite the UWW’s stance, a loophole in the rulebook has emerged that Phogat could potentially exploit. According to the rules for the repechage round, athletes who lost to the eventual finalists are eligible for a second chance to compete for the bronze medal. In the women’s 50kg category, Yui Susaki, who lost to Phogat in the opening bout, competed in the repechage round and won a bronze medal.

This raises the question of why Susaki was allowed to compete in the repechage round if Phogat was ranked last following her disqualification. By allowing Susaki to compete, the UWW indirectly indicated that Phogat was a finalist, contradicting their own rules.

Irrespective of the CAS verdict, the case is likely to continue for weeks or months, as either side is expected to re-appeal.

Vinesh Phogat's Silver Medal Appeal Concludes at CAS Hearing

Vinesh Phogat’s Silver Medal Appeal Concludes at CAS Hearing

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s quest for a silver medal at the Paris Olympics took a significant step forward as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad-hoc division concluded its hearing on her appeal. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed optimism for a favorable outcome.

Phogat was disqualified from the women’s 50kg freestyle final after weighing in 100 grams over the permissible limit. The American wrestler, Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, subsequently won the gold medal. Phogat appealed for a joint silver medal, arguing that the weight discrepancy was unintentional and did not affect her performance.

The CAS ad-hoc division, established specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Phogat’s appeal. The hearing took place virtually on Friday, with Phogat represented by senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. United World Wrestling, the governing body for wrestling, also presented its case.

The IOA released a statement expressing its confidence in a positive resolution. “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,” said IOA president PT Usha.

Initially, reports suggested an interim order would be issued on Friday, but no official communication has been made yet. The IOA stated that the Sole Arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC, indicated that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, followed by a detailed order with reasons.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach acknowledged Phogat’s plea but raised concerns about setting precedents. “Where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don’t give it anymore?” he said.

Phogat’s appeal has garnered widespread attention and support in India. The wrestling community and fans alike are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the CAS hearing, hoping for a just resolution that recognizes Phogat’s hard work and dedication.

Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Blames WFI

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Blames WFI

Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Disqualification: Former Wrestler Kripa Shankar Blames WFI

Former Indian wrestler Kripa Shankar has expressed his disappointment over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 due to being overweight. Vinesh, who was set to compete in the gold medal match on Wednesday, was disqualified for being a few grams overweight on the morning of her 50kg bout.

Shankar, a former Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, believes that the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) is to blame for not implementing the practice of taking weights twice during national events. He claims that Vinesh did not have any prior experience of giving her weight twice during an event.

“I don’t think Vinesh ever had the experience of going for weigh-ins twice. Even in the national tournaments, there is no such criteria of taking the weights of the wrestlers twice,” Shankar told NDTV. “I had once asked the Indian wrestling body not to implement half-finished rules, but they suspended me for six years.”

Shankar also criticized the WFI for prioritizing cost-cutting over providing wrestlers with the necessary ecosystem to succeed. “I feel that the wrestling body wants to avoid extra expenditure by organizing a one-day tournament. By doing so, you are not giving the wrestlers the right ecosystem to wrestle,” he said.

According to the new rules, wrestlers must meet the weight limit on both days of competition. Vinesh was eligible to compete on Day 1 after she made the weight. However, she was found to be a kilogram overweight on Tuesday night and managed to reduce 900 grams overnight. Despite not sleeping or eating, she was unable to shed the remaining 100 grams of extra weight.

If a wrestler is found overweight, they have 25 minutes to reduce it through methods such as cycling, running, or sauna. Shankar believes that reducing weight overnight is not an easy task.

“Giving weight is such an important practice in wrestling. This might be a small thing for many, but this has cost us big time (with Vinesh’s disqualification),” Shankar said.

Vinesh’s disqualification has sparked outrage among Indian wrestling fans and raised questions about the WFI’s handling of the situation. Shankar’s comments have added fuel to the fire, highlighting the need for better support and infrastructure for Indian wrestlers.

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