• durgesh dubey
• 09 Aug, 2024

Vinesh Phogat

Big news from Paris Olympics 2024 as Vinesh Phogat's appeal against disqualification accepted by CAS, and the hearing is scheduled for August 9.

The ad-hoc panel of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics on Thursday. The hearing is set for 10 am local time in Paris on Friday, August 9.

Phogat, who was disqualified after weighing in 100 grams over the limit for the women’s 50kg freestyle final, appealed the decision to CAS, an international body that resolves sports-related disputes. Her disqualification occurred despite having reached the final and defeating defending champion Yui Susaki of Japan in the first round—a wrestler who had an unbeaten international record of 82-0 before facing Phogat.

At 3 pm Paris time, CAS accepted her appeal, instructing her to appoint legal representation for the hearing. The Indian government is seeking to bring renowned lawyer Harish Salve on board for the case. The deadline for appointing a lawyer was set for 6 pm Paris time, with the hearing scheduled to begin at 10 am on Friday.

Salve, who has represented high-profile cases including those for the BCCI, has been briefed on the situation and will represent the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) during the virtual hearing. His name has been officially submitted as counsel for the IOA.

Vinesh Phogat had made two appeals to CAS—one requesting to participate in Thursday's final, which was rejected, and another asking for a joint silver medal, which is now under consideration. Despite her disqualification, Phogat's performance at the Olympics was exceptional, with victories leading her to the semi-final, where she defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who went on to win the silver after Phogat's disqualification.

India’s top lawyer Harish Salve is set to represent the IOA in this critical hearing on Friday.