Vinesh Phogat’s hearing concludes at CAS over silver medal plea, IOA expect ‘positive resolution’

New Delhi: The hearing into India’s wrestling ace Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024 finals concluded at the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in the French capital with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) stating that they are expecting a “positive resolution.”

The CAS ad-hoc division, which has been specially set up for resolving disputes during the Games, had accepted one of the two pleas filed by Vinesh against her ouster for being 100 grams overweight on the morning of her final against USA’s Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, who eventually turned out to be the gold-winner. In the mega clash, Vinesh was replaced by Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was defeated by Vinesh in the semifinals on Tuesday.

“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. The 29-year-old had filed appeals – the first of which was to be allowed for the final bout, which the CAS rejected but accepted her second plea regarding her being given a joint silver with Lopez. Her second appeal stood on the ground of being within the prescribed weight limit during her bouts on Tuesday.

High-profile senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania pleaded Vinesh’s case to the CAS while it was revealed that all the arguments were heard by Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC, who was the sole arbitrator at the CAS division. “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.

The concerned parties were provided the opportunity to file their detailed legal submissions before 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. Vinesh had called time on her career after challenging her disqualification, saying she does not have the strength to continue.

IOA’s ‘unwavering support’

IOA president PT Usha thanked Salve, Singhania, and the Krida Legal team for their assistance and arguments during the court proceeding. She also weighed in on the support that they will be providing Vinesh with, regardless of the matter’s result. “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.

The ad-hoc division had earlier said that a decision could be expected before the culmination of the Games on Sunday, 11 August.

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 The ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has concluded the hearing over Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification case where the Indian wrestler had appealed to that she be given a joint silver medal in the women’s freestyle 50kg event at the Paris Olympics 2024.  Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today