Vinesh Phogat's disqualification has indeed left the entire India heartbroken. On Wednesday, Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Olympics hours before her gold medal bout against the USA's wrestler. Vinesh was disqualified because was she found only 100gm overweight during the pre-match weigh-in. The Indian grappler's weight increased by more than 2 kg on Tuesday night and she along with her support staff did almost everything to shed those extra kilos to fight in the 50kg freestyle wrestling category. However, despite multiple measures, Vinesh Phogat was found only 100gm overweight. The Indian management sought a few more hours to shed those extra kilos but was denied and disqualified. This sparked a furor on social media and even PM Modi dialed IOA and told PT Usha to do everything she can by which Vinesh could get the opportunity to fight for the gold medal.
However, the gold medal match in which Vinesh Phogat was supposed to take part was not stopped. USA's Sarah Hildebrandt eventually won the Women's 50kg Freestyle Final and clinched the gold after she defeated wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. The Cuban Wrestler who replaced Vinesh was presented with the silver. Finally, on Wednesday night, Vinesh Phogat knocked on the doors of the Court of Arbitration for Sports. Vinesh has appealed that she should be allowed to fight for gold or at least she should be awarded a silver medal along with the Cuban wrestler i.e. 'joint silver' medal.
Can Vinesh Phogat still get a silver at the Paris Olympics?
The answer is yes. The Court of Arbitration for Sports has accepted Vinesh Phogat's appeal. The Indian wrestler can still win the silver medal. CAS had asked till Thursday 11:30 am IST, to give its any decision. Now, the CAS has accepted Vinesh Phogat's appeal. If the Court of Arbitration for Sport rules in favour of Phogat, the IOC will have to award a joint silver to the Indian grappler as the CAS decision is binding. The CAS is an international body set up in Switzerland to resolve disputes that might arise in the world of sports.
As per reports, in Vinesh's case, 4 lawyers of CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports) will present her side. At the same time, a decision on Vinesh's medal can come within 24 hours. Joel Monluis, Estelle Ivanova, Habin Estelle Kim and Charles Amson will be the lawyers representing Vinesh Phogat in the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sports) hearing. They are pro bono lawyers with the Paris Bar for the Paris 2024 Olympics.