Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to overturn her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 50kg weight division will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday at 9am Paris time. The Indian wrestler was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during her final weigh-in, resulting in her last place finish.
Phogat’s appeal seeks to overturn her disqualification and award her a shared silver medal. The hearing was initially scheduled for Thursday but has been postponed by a day. The Indian side, initially represented by pro bono lawyers, may now have an established lawyer to present Vinesh’s case.
The CAS has established an ad hoc division in Paris to hear cases during the Olympics, led by president Michael Lenard of the US. The division has dismissed several cases filed during the Games, including one by Spaniard David Sanchez Lopez on Thursday.
The Indian contingent had previously appealed to the United World Wrestling (UWW), requesting that wrestlers not be disqualified for results achieved on days when they met the weigh-in requirements. However, the UWW declined to make any changes, emphasizing the need to adhere to rules without exception.
Phogat’s disqualification has sparked controversy, with many questioning the fairness of disqualifying an athlete for a minor weight discrepancy. The outcome of her appeal will be closely watched by the Indian sporting community and the international wrestling fraternity.
