Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, disqualified from the 50 kg freestyle final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, is gearing up to contest the ruling with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Phogat, 29, was disqualified after weighing in slightly over the limit on the day of the final, resulting in her returning home without a medal. She is now seeking a reversal of this decision through an appeal with CAS.
The court has requested until Thursday at 11:30 am IST to deliver its final decision. Should CAS rule in Phogat’s favor, the International Olympic Committee will be required to award her a silver medal, as CAS’s verdict is final and binding.
CAS, based in Switzerland, handles sports-related disputes internationally.
Phogat made history as the first Indian woman to advance to an Olympic wrestling final. Her impressive run included victories over reigning Olympic champion Yui Susaki, Ukraine’s Oksana Livach, and a semifinal win against Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.
Despite her rigorous efforts to meet the weight limit, she was disqualified for exceeding it by just 100 grams. The disqualification sparked widespread support from fans and sports figures advocating for her to receive the silver medal.
