Vinesh Phogat disqualification appeal, CAS verdict August 9 updates: India presents case, Operational outcome expected soon

A recap of what happened on August 9:

The hearing for Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the women’s 50kg freestyle category happened on Friday. Vinesh attended the hearing virtually and arguments were presented by her team of legal representatives and representatives of the United World Wrestling, the second party in this case. 

While initial reports suggeted an interim order would come the same day, no official communication has come through. We anticipate a statement on Saturday. The IOA seems to be optimistic about Vinesh’s chances in this case. 

Vinesh has appealed to be given joint-silver. Join us again on Saturday to keep up with the latest from this case. 

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 on the second day of her Women’s Wrestling 50kg competition in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

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.

Each of the parties was accorded an opportunity to file its detailed legal submissions prior to 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.

IOA President Dr PT Usha thanked Senior Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for assisting the IOA present its arguments during the hearing.

“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,” Dr Usha said.

Reports suggest that the interim report may only come out tomorrow. Official confirmation awaited.

While Vinesh waits for the verdict, Aman Sehrawat has made sure India won’t return from Paris without a wrestling medal.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Aman Sehrawat beats Darian Doi Cruz to win bronze medal in 57kg freestyle wrestling

India’s Aman Sehrawat beat Puerto Rico’s Darian Doi Cruz in the Paris 2024 Olympics men’s 57kg wrestling category at the Champ de Arena to win a bronze medal on Friday.

The hearing in the Vinesh Phogat vs United World Wrestling case was conducted over two rounds. The full story from Vinesh’s perspective was laid out by both the Indian and French lawyers working with Vinesh on this case. Harish Salve is reported to have spoken for over an hour. 

An operational verdict is expected from the Sole Arbitrator soon with more details emerging in the coming hours. Stay tuned to Sportstar for the latest as it happens. 

Operational outcome from arbitrator expected soon. We will keep you updated.

Vinesh Phogat’s fate could be decided in a matter of a few more minutes. Stay tuned for the latest updates. 

The CAS ad hoc division has officially registered Vinesh Phogat’s application and the matter has been referred to Dr. Annabelle Bennett, who will hold a hearing with the concerned parties today. 

The hearing at Court of Arbitration for Sport has reportedly been postponed to 5:30 PM IST (2 PM local time). 

Senior advocate, Harish Salve, is set to represent Vinesh Phogat and the Indian Olympic Association at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Salve will be accompanied by Vidushpat Singhania.

Weigh-ins take place in the morning for any wrestlers competing that day. The tournament for each weight class will be contested over a two-day span, so any wrestlers that make the finals or the repechage will have to make weight on both days.

During the first weigh-in, wrestlers will have 30 minutes to make weight. They have the right to get on the scale as many times as they wish. Contestants are weighed with their singlets, but nothing else. Athletes will also be examined to make sure they have no signs of any contagious disease and that their fingernails are cut very short.

For any wrestlers competing on the second day, the weigh-in will last 15 minutes. This is a non-negotiable window during which the wrestler must make the required weight or risk disqualification.

According to the UWW, the medical control and a first weigh-in will be held on the morning of the concerned weight category. The qualified athletes for the finals and repechages will be weigh-in again the second morning of the concerned weight category. No more weight tolerance will be allowed for the second weigh-in.

Two kilograms weight tolerance is allowed for World Cup and for the International Tournaments (Except UWW Ranking Events).

The Olympics follow a strict weight restriction without the 2kg weigh in tolerance.

Did Vinesh Phogat get to challenge Antim Panghal for a spot in the 53kg category at Paris 2024 Olympics? Here’s the timeline that explains everything.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Vinesh Phogat, Antim Panghal and the truth behind Olympic selection trials

Did Vinesh Phogat get to challenge Antim Panghal for a spot in the 53kg category at Paris 2024 Olympics? Here’s the timeline that explains everything.

The CAS hearing is reportedly scheduled to happen at 1:30 PM IST.

IOA’s submission to CAS:

The excess of 100g is extremely negligible (representing around 0.1 to 0.2% of the athlete’s weight) and can easily be caused by the bloating of a human body during summer weather, as the heat makes the human body retain more water, scientifically for survival purposes. It can also be due to muscle mass increase as the athlete competed three times on the same day. It can also be caused by the food consumption of the athlete after the competitions to sustain her health and integrity for the demanding competitions.

READ THE FULL SUBMISSION BELOW

Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to CAS: Full details of IOA’s submission before hearing

Former Solicitor General of India, Harish Salve, is expected to represent Vinesh in the CAS hearing on Friday.

Vinesh Phogat and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following her disqualification from the gold medal match in the 50kg wrestling event at the Paris Olympics. 

Welcome to Sportstar’s live coverage of the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s verdict (CAS) on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal to reinstate the Paris 2024 Olympics silver medal on Friday, August 9. 

Stay tuned as we bring you all the live updates.