CAS Extends Verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s Appeal: Decision Expected Sunday Evening

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has extended the deadline for its decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal regarding her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 50 kg wrestling final. The verdict, originally anticipated earlier, will now be delivered by Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m. Paris time, according to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

The extension has been granted to the Sole Arbitrator, Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, who is overseeing the case involving Phogat’s plea for a joint silver medal following her controversial disqualification. The reasoned order will be issued at a later date, as stated by the IOA.

Phogat, a prominent Indian wrestler, was disqualified from the gold medal match after slightly exceeding the weight limit. She had advanced to the final by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez with a commanding 5-0 victory in the semi-finals. Scheduled to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States, Phogat’s hopes for gold were dashed due to the weight breach.

Earlier in the tournament, Phogat achieved a significant milestone by defeating top-seeded Yui Susaki of Japan in the round of 16, marking one of the biggest wins of her career. Following her disqualification, Phogat sought to have the CAS award her the silver medal.

CAS has established an ad hoc division in Paris to handle such cases during the Olympics, led by President Michael Lenard from the US. This division is situated within the Paris judicial court in the 17th arrondissement.

In a poignant post on X, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling, expressing deep gratitude and emotional farewell. She wrote, “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.”

Throughout her illustrious career, Vinesh Phogat has secured numerous accolades, including two World Championships bronze medals (2019 and 2022), an Asian Games gold (2018) and bronze (2014), and three Commonwealth Games gold medals (2014, 2018, 2022). She also won a gold medal at the Asian Championships in 2021 and has earned silver and bronze medals at various continental events.