CAS dismisses Vinesh Phogat's plea for shared silver medal in Olympics

The decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the 50 kg wrestling final was finalized on Wednesday, August 14. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has denied Vinesh’s plea for sharing the silver medal with Yusneylis Guzman Lopez at the Paris Olympics.

In a statement, IOA President PT Usha expressed "shock and disappointment at the decision of the Sole Arbitrator at the 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 in women's 50 kg category at the Paris Olympic Games has significant implications for her in particular and the sporting community at large," the IOA stated.

Vinesh, who sought a shared silver medal, challenged her disqualification from the 50 kg gold medal match and appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Earlier, the ad-hoc division which was set up to handle disputes during the Olympics had stated that a ruling was to be expected before the conclusion of the Paris Games on Sunday. After the hearing, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed optimism for a favorable outcome.

"Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application before the Ad hoc Division of the CAS against her failed weigh-in," the IOA stated on Friday.

In the final match, Vinesh Phogat was replaced by Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom she had defeated in the semifinals on Tuesday. In her appeal, Vinesh is requesting that she be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez, arguing that she was within the weight limit during her bouts on Tuesday.

Vinesh Phogat's case was represented by senior lawyers Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.