The Indian wrestler, Vinesh Phogat has filed an application at the Court of Arbitration for sport (CAS) Ad Hoc Division in Paris to register a joint silver medal in sub-50kg category which she was disqualified from participating in because she was slightly overweight (100 grams).
In a press release issued by CAS, Ms. Phogat had filed an application before the ad hoc division this afternoon and evening of Thursday, 7th August wherein he challenged the decision made by United World Wrestling (UWW) to drop him after his second weigh-in failure prior to the start of the gold medal match of Women’s Freestyle 50kg event at Olympic Games Paris 2024 fixed for 18:15 CEST on the same day.
While initially she aimed at making her eligible to challenge for another weigh-in prior to the ultimate contest and UWW’s Decision being cancelled on its face, she did not apply for urgent interim measures seeking it as per available information.
But since giving a hearing opportunity to Respondent UWW would have consumed time, one hour was far too less a time for a decision on merits anyway given how fast CAS Ad hoc Division procedure is. However, “the matter remains under consideration” with her prayer being that annulment of Challenged Decision and being awarded with shared silver medal can be sustained throughout media note.
The case has been referred to Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), sitting as a Sole Arbitrator who will conduct a hearing today between parties. The Sole Arbitrator’s decision is expected to be issued before the end of the Olympics which close on 11th August.
