CAS Likely to Issue Verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal Before End of Paris Olympics

After accepting wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to be awarded the silver medal in the women’s wrestling 50kg in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has issued its first official statement.

Vinesh will be represented before the CAS by noted counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.

The CAS in the statement has confirmed that there was no time to annul her disqualification from the Olympic Games, due to the paucity of time.

CAS Statement On Vinesh Phogat’s Plea:

“An application was filed at the CAS Ad hoc Division at 16:45 CEST on 7 August 2024 by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat (the Applicant) in relation to the decision taken by United World Wrestling (UWW) to replace her, because of her failed second weigh-in, before the gold medal match of the Women’s Freestyle 50kg competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 that was due to commence at 18:15 CEST the same day (the Challenged Decision),” the statement from the CAS, issued on Friday, read.

“The Applicant initially sought a decision from the CAS Ad hoc Division annulling the Challenged Decision and ordering another weigh-in before the final match as well as a declaration that she be declared eligible and qualified to participate in the final.

“However, she did not request urgent interim measures. The CAS Ad hoc Division procedure is fast, but it was not possible for a decision on the merits to be issued within an hour, bearing in mind that the Respondent UWW would have had to be heard first. The procedure is, however, ongoing and the Applicant has confirmed that she seeks the annulment of the Challenged Decision and that she requests to be awarded a (shared) silver medal.”

“The matter has been referred to the Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), sitting as a Sole Arbitrator, who will hold a hearing with the parties today. The Sole Arbitrator’s decision is expected to be issued before the end of the Olympic Games,” the statement concluded.