Vinesh Phogat's Olympic Appeal Decision by CAS to be Announced on August 13

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will take additional time to deliberate on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the women's 50kg freestyle final at the Olympic Games. The decision is now expected on August 13. Phogat, aged 29, was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in on Wednesday.

Support from Fellow Athletes

As she awaits the verdict, Vinesh has received support from fellow athletes. Neeraj Chopra urged people to remember her contributions even if the decision is unfavourable. "If she gets the medal, it would be very good. If things had not panned out the way they did, she would have had the medal. I hope she gets it because if you don't have it around your neck, that thing stays in your heart," Chopra said.

Japanese Olympic champion Rei Higuchi also expressed his support. Higuchi, who won gold in the men's 57kg freestyle event, was eliminated from the Tokyo Olympics qualifiers three years ago for being overweight by just 50 grams. "I understand your pain the best. Same 50g. Don't worry about the voices around you. Life goes on. Rising from setbacks is the most beautiful thing," Higuchi wrote on X.

Legal Representation and Appeal

Vinesh was represented by senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania in her appeal. The CAS ad-hoc division, set up specifically for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted her appeal against her disqualification on Friday. She has requested a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Vinesh but was promoted to the final following Vinesh's disqualification.

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) initially stated that the verdict would be announced this evening but later clarified that it would be known only on August 13. "The ad-hoc division of CAS has extended time for the Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee matter to give a decision till 6:00 p.m. on August 13, 2024," read an IOA statement.

Games Closing Ceremony

The Games will conclude with a ceremony at Stade de France, which hosted track and field events. The United World Wrestling has already indicated that it is not in favour of making an exception for Vinesh but may consider rule reforms later. International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach shares a similar view.

India finished with six medals at the Games: one silver and five bronze. Two bronze medals were won by pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, while Neeraj Chopra secured the lone silver in men's javelin throw.

Phogat's Retirement Announcement

Crestfallen after her disqualification, Vinesh announced her retirement on social media. American Sarah Hildebrandt won gold after defeating Lopez in the title clash. The IOA apologised for any confusion caused by their earlier communication regarding the timing of the verdict announcement.

Vinesh's case highlights ongoing issues with weight management in wrestling competitions and raises questions about potential reforms to prevent similar situations in future events.

The final decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal will be crucial not only for her career but also for setting a precedent in wrestling regulations and athlete support systems globally.