Olympics row: CAS defers verdict on Vinesh Phogat's appeal till August 16

Paris: The ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport has once again deferred its decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the Olympic finals, this time till August 16, prolonging the Indian wrestler's wait for a resolution.

The 29-year-old was disqualified for being 100gm overweight at the time on weigh-in before the final. 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).

"The CAS ad hoc division president has allowed Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett, Sole Arbitrator in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) matter, an extension until 6-00 p.m. (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024," a release from the IOA said.

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.