CAS confirms decision on Vinesh Phogat will be issued ‘before Olympic ends’.
Vinesh Phogat's Olympic silver hopes remain as CAS reviews her disqualification appeal after a weigh-in issue before the women's 50kg final in Paris.
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's quest for an Olympic silver medal remains alive after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted her appeal following a disqualification just before the gold medal bout in the women's 50kg category at the Paris Olympics. Vinesh was disqualified from the final after being found overweight by a mere 100 grams during the weigh-in, a technicality that not only cost her a shot at gold but also left her without a medal, as disqualified athletes are generally ineligible for any award. While CAS clarified that it could not accommodate Vinesh's request for a second weigh-in or reinstate her in the gold medal match, the organization did agree to consider her case regarding the possibility of awarding her a joint silver medal. This decision keeps Vinesh's hopes of an Olympic podium finish alive as the legal process continues.
"An application was filed with the CAS Ad Hoc Division at 16:45 CEST on August 7, 2024, by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat (the Applicant) concerning the decision by United World Wrestling (UWW) to replace her due to her failed second weigh-in before the gold medal match of the Women’s Freestyle 50kg competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, which was scheduled to commence at 18:15 CEST the same day (the Challenged Decision)," the CAS statement issued on Friday read. "The Applicant initially sought a decision from the CAS Ad Hoc Division to annul the Challenged Decision and order another weigh-in before the final match, as well as a declaration that she be deemed eligible to participate in the final.
"However, she did not request urgent interim measures. While the CAS Ad Hoc Division procedure is fast, it was not possible to issue a decision on the merits within an hour, considering that the Respondent, UWW, would have to be heard first. The procedure is, however, ongoing, and the Applicant has confirmed that she seeks the annulment of the Challenged Decision and requests to be awarded a (shared) silver medal."
The CAS further informed about the appointments made to hear both Vinesh and the UWW on Friday. A decision is expected before the end of the Paris Olympics. "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.
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