Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Remains in Paris as CAS Delays Ruling on Olympics Disqualification
Paris, 14th August 2024: Due to the ongoing delay in the ruling on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris 2024 Olympics, Phogat has chosen to stay in Paris until a decision is made. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has again postponed the announcement of the verdict on Phogat’s appeal, which contests her disqualification from the women’s 50 kg final. The new date for the verdict is now set for August 16, instead of the initially scheduled August 13.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has confirmed this revised date. Phogat’s participation in the Olympics is uncertain as the wrestling community awaits the final ruling.
“Vinesh will remain in Paris until her case is resolved,” sources stated. CAS has established a temporary division in Paris, led by President Michael Lenard from the United States, to handle Olympic-related cases. This division operates within the Paris judicial court in the 17th arrondissement.
Phogat, a leading wrestler, was disqualified from the Paris Olympics final for exceeding the 50kg weight limit by 100 grams during the weigh-in.
On August 7, Phogat appealed to CAS to be awarded the silver medal. CAS had previously extended the appeal deadline to August 13. Phogat had reached the gold medal match by defeating Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals but was unable to compete against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States due to the weight violation. The day after her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling.
Following Phogat’s disqualification, there has been increased scrutiny on members and officials of the Indian Olympic Association.
