India's wait continues: CAS extends deadline for decision in Vinesh Phogat case until August 11

Paris: The ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will take another day before deciding on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the women's 50kg free-style final of the Olympic Games.

The 29-year-old was disqualified for being 100gm overweight at the time on weigh-in on Wednesday. The much-anticipated verdict on her appeal was earlier due to be announced this evening.

"The ad-hoc division of CAS has extended time till 6pm on August 11, 2024, for the Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee to issue a decision," the IOA said in a statement.

"The reasoned order will be issued at a later date," it added.

According to an IOA source, the decision is likely to be made public only on August 13, two days after the conclusion of the Games in Paris.

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.