Vinesh Phogat CAS verdict LIVE: CAS dismisses Vinesh Phogat's appeal for a joint silver medal

New Delhi, August 14: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Dr. PT Usha has expressed her shock and disappointment at the decision of the Sole Arbitrator at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to dismiss wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application against the United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The operative part of the August 14 decision, which dismisses Vinesh’s application to be awarded a shared silver medal women’s 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games 2024, has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large.

The marginal discrepancy of a 100 grams and the resultant consequences has profound impact, not only in terms of Vinesh’s career but also raises serious questions about ambiguous rules and their interpretation.

The IOA firmly believes that the total disqualification of an athlete for such a weight infraction on the second of two days warrants a deeper examination. Our legal representatives had duly brought this out in their submissions before the Sole Arbitrator.

The matter involving Vinesh highlights the stringent and, arguably, inhumane regulations that fail to account for the physiological and psychological stresses athletes, particularly female athletes, undergo. It is a stark reminder of the need for more equitable and reasonable standards that prioritize athletes' well-being.

In light of the order of the CAS, the IOA continues to stand in full support of Ms. Phogat and is exploring further legal options. The IOA is committed to ensuring that Vinesh's case is heard. It will continue to advocate justice and fairness in sports, ensuring that the rights and dignity of athletes and everyone in the sports fold are upheld at all times.

We appreciate the continued support and understanding of our stakeholders, athletes, and the public.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's hopes of securing a silver medal at the Paris Olympics have been dashed after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected her appeal. Phogat was disqualified from the final for missing the weight limit by 100 grams.

On the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing verdict, Vidushpat Singhania, IOA advocate says, "The decision has not come yet, CAS has just informed that they have taken a time extension till 16th August, 6:30 PM (Paris Time). We are also unaware of the reason for this extension. The Ad hoc committee of CAS gives its verdict within 24 hours of filing the complaint. We still have hope..."

Vinesh Phogat's wait for a potential silver medal continues as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has postponed its decision for a third time.

The new proposed date of the verdict is 16th August 1800Hrs Local time (9:30 PM IST)

Mahavir Singh Phogat said: "We have been waiting for this decision for the last 4-5 days and the decision which was supposed to come on 8th, will come today and we are hopeful that she will get a silver medal...We will welcome her like a gold medallist. We will try our best to convince her to take back her decision (of taking retirement) and start preparing for the 2028 Olympics."

The legendary Indian Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh believes that Vinesh Phogat deserves a medal after reaching the final of the women's 50kg category.

 The CAS verdict on Phogat's appeal for a joint silver medal is expected within the next few hours.

Vidushpat Singhania, a renowned sports lawyer, explained the process CAS follows in cases like that of Vinesh Phogat and whether there is any hope for India.

Read more about it here