Vinesh Phogat and IOA remain hopeful of positive CAS verdict

Vinesh Phogat has requested for a joint silver medal at Paris Olympics 2024.

The next few days will be a crucial test for Vinesh Phogat and the Indian Olympic Association. They have presented Phogat’s disqualification at Paris Olympics 2024 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Paris. According to reports, the hearing went on for three hours at the ad-hoc division.

Honourable Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC a retired Judge of the Federal Court of Australia is the only arbitrator in the case who has heard the statements from Vinesh Phogat, United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA.

The IOA was represented by prominent lawyer and former solicitor general of India Harish Salve. He was also joined by renowned sports and gaming lawyer, Vidushpat Singhania who had earlier worked and assisted Justice Nageswara Rao in drafting the Indian Olympic Association’s constitution.

IOA is hoping for a verdict in their favour as India still hopes for a silver medal from Vinesh Phogat. Reports have indicated that a silver medal was requested by Vinesh’s lawyers on the grounds that Phogat had secured victory in her first three matches as per the required weight.

Also Read: Vinesh Phogat announces retirement from wrestling: ‘I don’t have strength, wrestling won, I lost’

PT Usha issued a statement regarding the case, she said ‘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.’

What is the ad-hoc division in CAS? 

Ad-hoc is a temporary division that has been set up since 1996 and looks after disputes which take place at the Summer and Winter Olympics. The division is headed by a president and two co-presidents followed by Arbitrators.

The division usually gives out the verdict in lesser periods of time as compared to others. But it will depend on the case.

When will Vinesh Phogat’s verdict be announced?

The verdict on Vinesh Phogat’s case according to reports is set to be declared before the end of the Paris Olympics 2024. But the exact date is yet to be announced by CAS. The case is moving fast as the arguments along with the legal documents have been submitted by all parties.

Even though the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event is over now, there is still hope that Phogat could receive a joint silver medal at Paris Olympics 2024. Fans will hope that the verdict will end on a positive note for the Indian contingent at Paris. They also would want Vinesh Phogat to consider her stance on retirement as she still has a lot to give to the sport.

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