CAS Extends Deadline for Decision on Vinesh Phogat's Medal Appeal

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has extended the deadline to deliver its verdict on Vinesh Phogat's silver medal appeal to August 13. Phogat, disqualified from the Paris Olympics, awaits the decision with her family. CAS President Michael Lenard oversees the case in Paris.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has extended the deadline to deliver its final verdict on whether Vinesh Phogat will be awarded a silver medal following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The new deadline is now set for Tuesday, August 13, at 6:00 PM Paris time, or 9:30 PM IST, according to a statement from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).

'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,' the IOA said. The earlier reference to August 11 in an IOA communication referred to the deadline for all parties to present additional documents.

Reacting to the extension, Indian wrestling legend and Vinesh's uncle, Mahavir Phogat, said, 'It has been three days since we have been waiting. Whenever the decision is out, we will be happy.' Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from competing in the final of the Paris Olympics due to a minor weight limit breach, leading her to announce her retirement from wrestling. In the semi-finals, she defeated Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 but was set to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the U.S. for gold.

Following her disqualification, Phogat requested CAS to award her the silver medal. CAS established an ad hoc division in Paris, headed by President Michael Lenard from the U.S., to handle Olympic-related cases. This division operates within the Paris judicial court in the 17th arrondissement.

In an emotional retirement post on social media platform X, Phogat expressed her gratitude and heartbreak, stating, 'Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don't have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.' Over her distinguished career, Phogat won several accolades including two World Championships bronze medals, an Asian Games gold and bronze, and three Commonwealth Games gold medals. She also secured a gold in the Asian Championships and earned other continental-level medals.