The president of the CAS ad hoc division has granted Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, the Sole Arbitrator in the case involving Vinesh Phogat, United World Wrestling (UWW), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), an extension until 6:00 p.m. (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024,” according to a release from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA).
The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has postponed its verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s appeal for a joint silver medal in women’s 50kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics 2024 until August 16. This marks the second delay in the CAS decision regarding the matter.
The hearing took place on August 9, with CAS initially promising a decision by August 10. However, it was later deferred to August 13. The CAS ad hoc division, specifically established to resolve disputes during the Games, had previously accepted Vinesh’s appeal against her disqualification for being 100 grams overweight on the morning of her final against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the USA, who ultimately won gold.
The United World Wrestling (UWW) had stripped Vinesh of a podium finish according to the competition rules.
The IOA expressed hope for a favorable outcome in Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her failed weigh-in. Vinesh was replaced in the summit clash by Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had been defeated by Vinesh in the semifinals.
In her appeal, Vinesh has requested to be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez, arguing that she was within the prescribed weight limit during her earlier bouts.
Vinesh was represented by prominent senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. The IOA noted that as the case is still under review, they could only confirm that Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) had heard all parties involved—Vinesh Phogat, UWW, the IOC, and the IOA—over a period of three hours.
All parties were given the opportunity to submit detailed legal documents before the hearing and present oral arguments. The Sole Arbitrator indicated that the decision would be issued soon, with a detailed reasoning to follow later.
IOA President PT Usha thanked Salve, Singhania, and the Krida Legal team for their support and arguments during the hearing. She reaffirmed the IOA’s unwavering support for Vinesh, regardless of the outcome. “We are proud of her many achievements on the wrestling mat throughout her distinguished career,” Usha said.
Earlier, the ad hoc division had anticipated a decision by the end of the Games on Sunday. Following the challenge to her disqualification, Vinesh announced her retirement from the sport, citing a lack of strength to continue.
