Paris Olympics 2024: Top Indian lawyer Harish Salve steps in to represent Vinesh Phogat at CAS hearing

Earlier, Phogat was disqualified for being overweight.

Renowned Indian lawyer Harish Salve has agreed to represent wrestler Vinesh Phogat in her appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This last-minute development brings fresh hope to the Indian camp as they fight to overturn Phogat’s controversial disqualification from the Paris Olympics 2024.

Phogat, a medal hopeful in the 50kg category, was disqualified just before her gold medal match for weighing 100 grams over the limit. The decision sent shockwaves through the Indian sports community and led to Phogat’s sudden retirement announcement.

The CAS hearing, set for Friday at 1:30pm Indian time, will be a crucial moment for Phogat and Indian wrestling. Salve, known for handling high-profile cases, will join the proceedings remotely. His involvement comes after the Indian Olympic Association scrambled to secure top-notch legal representation for Phogat.

The case revolves around two main points. First, Phogat’s team requested a second weigh-in, which was denied. Second, they’re appealing for Phogat to be awarded a silver medal based on her successful weigh-in and performance in earlier rounds.

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While the first point has been settled, the CAS will now focus on the possibility of awarding Phogat a silver medal. This decision could have far-reaching implications for how weight-related issues are handled in international wrestling competitions.

Salve’s participation has raised hopes for a favourable outcome. He’ll be working alongside four pro bono lawyers from the Paris Bar who are also representing Phogat.

The wrestling community is watching closely, as the outcome could impact not just Phogat’s career but also set a precedent for future cases. Many are questioning the strict weight rules and whether a mere 100 grams should cost an athlete their Olympic dream.

As the hearing approaches, the sports world holds its breath. Will Salve’s legal expertise help overturn the disqualification? Can Phogat still secure an Olympic medal? The answers to these questions could reshape the narrative of the Paris Olympics for India and potentially influence the future of wrestling regulations worldwide.

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