Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, who recently announced her retirement from international wrestling after being disqualified from the Paris Olympics 2024, now has been given a renewed hope to win a joint silver medal in the 50kg category.
The independent sports arbitration body, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has consented to examine Vinesh Phogat’s appeal. Through her appeal, the Indian wrestler seeks a re-evaluation of her medal position following her disqualification from the Paris Olympics.
Phogat’s disqualification from the Olympic finals due to being 100 grams overweight allowed Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez to take her place in the final against American Sarah Ann Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt won the match, claiming the gold medal, while Phogat’s hopes of securing a medal were dashed.
In response to her disqualification, Phogat filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), asking for a joint silver medal with Lopez. An ad-hoc division of CAS, set up to handle disputes during the Olympics, is now reviewing her case. Phogat had initially requested another weigh-in, but the court denied that request. Her second appeal, which argues that she deserves the silver medal based on her performance and weight compliance, is now under consideration.
CAS is expected to announce its final decision on Vinesh Phogat’s appeal within the next 24 to 48 hours, with reports indicating a possible ruling as early as Friday morning. If CAS rules in her favor, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will need to adjust the medal standings accordingly.
Earlier in the day, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling on social media, citing the immense physical and emotional toll. Addressing her mother Premlata, the three-time Olympian, wrote, “Ma, wrestling has won, I have lost. Please forgive me, your dreams and my courage, everything is broken.”
“I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye wrestling 2001-2024. I shall be indebted to you all. Forgive (me),” added the two-time world championships bronze-medallist.
Meanwhile, the Haryana government has decided to felicitate Phogat like a medallist, chief minister Nayab Singh Saini said on Thursday. She will be offered the same reward that the state government offers to Olympic Games silver medallists, the chief minister added.
On Tuesday night, Vinesh Phogat made history by becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to advance to the gold medal bout in her category. She was guaranteed at least a silver medal before a disqualification altered the outcome.
A three-time Olympian, Vinesh has previously claimed gold medals at both the Asian and Commonwealth Games. Over the past year, she has been a prominent figure in protests against former Wrestling Federation of India head Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who faces allegations of sexual harassment from female wrestlers.
Typically competing in the 53kg category, Vinesh had to cut down to 50kg just months before the Paris Games after Antim Panghal secured the quota place for that division. Panghal, who was eliminated in the opening round, now faces deportation for attempting to use her accreditation card to help her sister Nisha access the Games Village.