Vinesh Phogat's wait gets longer as CAS defers decision on appeal for Olympics silver medal
Will Vinesh Phogat get the joint silver medal in women's 50kg wrestling at Paris Olympics? The CAS will announce its verdict by August 13.
The ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) deferred its verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal for a joint silver medal in women's 50kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh will have to wait till August 13 to know her fate.
"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 statement read.
On Saturday afternoon, CAS announced that the verdict would be delivered by 9:30 pm IST on August 10. However, the decision was deferred. It was later revealed that the ruling had been postponed to August 11, but it is now revealed that CAS has requested additional documents to aid in the decision-making process.
"The reference to August 11 in the earlier communication sent by me was to the time given to all parties to present any additional documents before the Sole Arbitator," the statement added.
In a statement issued on Friday, the CAS confirmed a verdict by the end of this Olympics, acknowledging that the hearing was completed.
This was after the CAS ad-hoc division, set up especially for dispute resolution during the Games, accepted Vinesh's appeal against her ouster for being 100gm overweight on the morning of her final against eventual gold-winner Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of USA.
The United World Wrestling (UWW), the parent body of world wrestling, stripped Vinesh of a podium finish according to the game rules.
"Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat's application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her failed weigh-in," the IOA said in a statement.
In the summit clash, Vinesh was replaced by Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semifinals on Tuesday.
In her appeal, the Indian has demanded that she be given a joint silver with Lopez as she was within the prescribed weight limit during her bouts on Tuesday.
Vinesh was represented by high-profile senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
"Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours," the IOA stated.
All concerned parties were given an opportunity to file their detailed legal submissions prior to the hearing and then present oral arguments.
"It was indicated by the Sole Arbitrator that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, with a detailed order with reasons to follow thereafter," the IOA said.
The body's head PT Usha thanked Salve and Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for their assistance and arguments during the hearing.
"IOA deems its duty to back Vinesh and would like to reaffirm its steadfast, unflinching, and unwavering support to her, regardless of the outcome of this matter.
"We are proud of her countless achievements on the wrestling mat throughout her stellar career," Usha said.
Earlier, the ad-hoc division said that a decision can be expected before the end of the Games on Sunday.
Vinesh went on to announce her retirement from the sport after challenging her disqualification, saying she does not have the strength to continue.
Reacting to the current situation, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Friday said he has a "certain understanding" for Vinesh but also wondered where one would draw the line after allowing small concessions in situations like hers.
"Looking at the federation or anybody to take such a decision, when and where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don't give it anymore?"What do you do then in sports where you have differences of one-thousandths of a second (in track events). Do you also then apply such deliberations?," he added.