The Paris Olympics 2024 has been indeed but the verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s issue is yet to be resolved. After having an exciting season in this edition of the Olympics, the Indian wrestler was disqualified due to her weight-related issue. After she challenged that, the verdict was supposed to come by August 13. But now, it has been extended to August 16. The wait becomes long to know the ultimate result.
Vinesh’s Disqualification:
Vinesh Phogat advanced to the gold medal match after defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals. She was set to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold. However, Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams on the morning of the final. This weight breach led to her removal from the competition.
Following her disqualification, Phogat appealed the decision. On August 9, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) conducted a three-hour hearing in Paris, where Vinesh appeared virtually to argue against the disqualification. Despite her efforts to overturn the decision, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling shortly thereafter.
The Wait Becomes Longer:
Vinesh Phogat initially contested her disqualification from the Paris Olympics, seeking to be awarded a joint silver medal in the women’s 50kg category. A hearing was held on August 9, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) initially promising a decision by August 10. However, the court postponed the verdict to August 13, marking the third time it has extended the deadline on this issue.
The CAS is now expected to announce its final decision on August 16, Friday, by 9:30 PM IST. The repeated delays have kept Phogat and her supporters waiting for clarity on her appeal and the outcome of her case.
The Statement from IOA:
While announcing the delay, IOA said, “The CAS ad hoc division president has allowed Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett, Sole Arbitrator in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) matter, an extension until 6-00 p.m. (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024.”
As the Paris Olympics 2024 ended, Vinesh already left the Olympic village. The hope for the ultimate prize is still on. The majority of the entire sports community of the world stood by the Indian wrestler. Vinesh already made the nation proud several times. This time, the unfortunate mishap forced her away to achieve the gold medal for India. Along with the wrestler, the entire India is looking forward to the verdict on August 16.
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