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

What is CAS: The sport's world's High Court?

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is the highest court for resolving sports disputes. Based in Switzerland, it also operates in New York, Sydney, and during major events like the Olympics. During the Paris Olympics, an ad hoc division of CAS has been set up, led by President Michael Lenard from the US. This division is based within the Paris judicial court

Read more about the CAS here

A quick rewind of the scenario

Vinesh Phogat defeated the World Champion Yui Susaki who had a perfect record of winning International events she faced, in round 1 of Women's 50Kg Freestyle Wrestling, she then went on to win two more bouts on Tuesday to qualify for the final.

Vinesh Phogat, who was scheduled to play in the gold medal match, failed in the daily weigh-in to achieve the requisite weight limit for the women's 50kg category. Hence, she has been disqualified from the Paris Olympics. Vinesh reportedly weighed 150 grams more than the requisite weight limit, which spoiled her dream of winning an Olympic gold.

Media Communication from Indian Olympic Association (IOA)!

Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against Vinesh Phogat's failed weigh-in on the day of her gold medal bout in the women's 50kg freestyle.

Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties — applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours.

Both parties were accorded an opportunity to file their detailed legal submissions before the hearing and then present oral arguments. It was indicated by the Sole Arbitrator that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, with a detailed order with reasons to follow thereafter.

IOA president P.T Usha thanked Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for assisting the IOA present its arguments during the hearing.

“IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter. We are proud of her countless achievements on the wrestling mat throughout her stellar career,” PT Usha said.

(IOA Inputs)

Hearing details!

The hearing involving Vinesh Phogat has concluded after two rounds, with Vidushpat authorized to brief the media in India.

The proceedings began with arguments from the French lawyers representing Vinesh, followed by UWW, the IOC, and finally the IOA, represented by Harish Salve, who argued her case for an hour and ten minutes.

A second round of arguments followed in a different sequence: the French lawyers, UWW, the IOA, and closing comments from the IOC.

The medical commission report has also been requested.

An operational outcome is expected shortly, with the Indian camp expressing optimism about the strong arguments presented.

Hearing Concludes!

The hearing for Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her Olympic disqualification has concluded at the CAS ad-hoc division, with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) hopeful for a favorable outcome.

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Thomas Bach, Chief of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), stated that awarding two medals is improbable!

“If you ask generally of having two silver medals in one category then my answer is no. There are the regulations of the International Federation that have to be followed and the International Federation, United World Wrestling was taking this decision.Looking at the federation or everybody who has to make such a decision then when and where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100 grams we give it, but with 102 grams we don't give it anymore? Now it's in CAS, we will in the end follow the CAS decision. But again, the International Federation, they have to apply and interpret their rules. So this is their responsibility," he said.

Wrestler Jordan Burroughs advocates for the silver medal!

Vinesh Phogat Hearing Live:

The decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal at CAS to give her a shared silver is expected to be announced before the end of the Paris Olympics 2024, reported AP.

Vinesh Phogat's Hearing Live:

Vinesh Phogat's petition to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) asserts that the fundamental rights of athletes must be upheld.