The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ad hoc committee has postponed the verdict for Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the women’s freestyle 50kg final at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The decision, originally slated for Tuesday, August 15th, at 9:30 PM Indian Standard Time, will now be announced on August 16th. Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC of Australia, the Sole Arbitrator, will deliver the verdict.
The 29-year-old wrestler was disqualified on the morning of the final after exceeding the weight limit by a small margin. While Vinesh weighed in at 49.90kg on Tuesday morning before her first-round bout, well within the permissible limit, she gained weight during the day as she secured three consecutive victories, including a win over defending Olympic champion Yui Susaki, to reach the final.
Vinesh initially appealed for reinstatement in the gold medal bout against USA’s Sarah Hildebrandt. However, she subsequently amended her appeal, requesting a joint silver medal to be awarded to her.
The delay in the verdict will keep the anticipation surrounding the outcome high, as the wrestling community eagerly awaits the CAS ad hoc committee’s decision on the fate of Vinesh Phogat’s appeal.
