CAS Delays Vinesh Phogat Verdict Again; New Date Set for August 16

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has once again postponed the verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal, extending the decision to August 16, 2024. This delay continues the uncertainty surrounding Phogat’s disqualification from the women’s 50kg final at the Paris Olympics, originally scheduled for August 13.

CAS has established a specialized ad hoc division in Paris to address Olympic-related cases. This division, led by President Michael Lenard from the U.S., operates within the Paris judicial court in the 17th arrondissement. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the postponement in a statement, noting that the Sole Arbitrator in the case, Dr. Annabelle Bennett, has been granted an extension until 6:00 p.m. Paris time on August 16 to deliver her decision.

Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the final after weighing in at 50.1 kg, just 100 grams over the 50kg limit. Following this disqualification, she appealed to CAS on August 7, requesting that she be awarded the silver medal instead. The original deadline for the verdict was extended to August 13, but the CAS ad hoc division has now pushed it back further.

The IOA clarified that the August 11 reference in their earlier statement was related to the submission of additional documents by all parties involved. Phogat, who had reached the gold medal match by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semifinals, was disqualified before her final bout against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States. The weight limit breach led to a significant controversy, especially as Vinesh announced her retirement from wrestling the day after her disqualification.

The Indian Olympic Association has faced scrutiny regarding the management of athletes’ weight. IOA President PT Usha emphasized that weight management is primarily the responsibility of the athletes and their coaches, not the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team. Each athlete participating in weight-sensitive sports, such as wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo, has their own support team to assist with these requirements, as per the IOA’s statement.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the CAS for the final ruling, with Phogat and her supporters eagerly awaiting the outcome.