Vinesh Phogat was assured of a medal in the Olympics. (Photo Credits: AFP)
The verdict has been deferred for the second time, as the nation continues to await the final decision regarding their star wrestler’s hopes for a silver medal.
The highly awaited verdict by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding Vinesh Phogat’s heartbreaking disqualification during the Paris Olympics 2024 has been deferred for the second time till August 16.
“The CAS ad hoc division president has allowed Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett, Sole Arbitrator in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) matter, an extension until 6-00 p.m. (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024,” a release from the IOA said.
In Phogat’s appeal, she has demanded that she be awarded a joint silver medal along with the Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez who was promoted to the final following the Indian grappler’s disqualification.
Phogat (29) had the entire nation behind her as she charged through to the final in the Women’s 50kg freestyle event at the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024.
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Her run saw her go through some insurmountable challenges as she was up against Japan’s Yui Susaki who held an undefeated record having won all 82 of the bouts she had won. But Phogat showed her grit and took the win and eventually made it to the final.
However, he journey was brought to a standstill as she failed to gain weight on the final day. She was just 100 grams over the weight limit which resulted in her disqualification from the final where she was at least guaranteed a silver medal.
Despite resorting to extreme measures, like cutting her hair, dehydrating herself and drawing blood, it was not enough resulting in a heartbreaking moment which resulted in her announcing her retirement.
Many reports have suggested that the battle could go on for quite some time with the losing party likely to appeal to a higher authority, thus extending the wait for a final verdict.
Now the wait continues for the country which will hope that a verdict is given in favour of India’s grappling star who hopes for a silver medal. But it is certain that the journey she has been on has been quite the rollercoaster ride and will certainly be remembered in India’s sporting history in years to come.
