Vinesh Phogat, the star Indian wrestler who was disqualified from Paris Olympics 2024, has officially appealed the decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS). Notably, Phogat has filed the appeal after she was not allowed to compete in the Women's Freestyle 50 kg wrestling final for being overweight by 100 grams. Vinesh had won the semifinal 5-0 and had become the first female grappler from India to reach an Olympic final.
It is being learnt that even though that Paris Olympics 2024 final will go ahead without Phogat, an interim ruling will be given by the court. If the CAS rules in favour of the 29-year-old wrestler than a joint silver medal could be awarded to India. A verdicat will be made by the CAS by Thursday (August 8) morning.
Olympic Host Cities Have Temporary CAS Set-Ups
For the uninitiated, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) happens to be an instititution established precisely for these such matters- of disputed in sporting contests. The independent body came to life in 1984 and even though it has its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, there are courts in New York and Sydney with the Olympic host city also getting a temporary court set up which means there is a court set up in Paris while the Summer Games are on.
ALSO READ | Why Vinesh Phogat Changed Her Weight Class To Enter The 50 Kg Event At Paris Olympics: Explained
Phogat weighed 50.1 kg when she was weighed on the morning of the final bout. It was later revealed that she had gained over 2 kilograms after the semi-finals and worked out all night, including jogging, skipping and spending time in the sauna to somehow get to the 50 kgs mark. As a last resort, even her hair was cut and her vest was shortened but she couldn't get at or under the 50 kg mark at the time of weigh in.