Chopra emphasized the importance of recognizing Vinesh’s achievements and dedication to her sport, despite the unfortunate circumstances that led to her disqualification.
“If she gets the medal, it would be very good. If things had not panned out the way they did, she would have had the medal. I hope she gets it because if you don’t have it around your neck, that thing stays in your heart,” the 26-year-old Chopra told reporters at ‘India House’ after a felicitation by IOC member and Reliance Foundation chairperson Nita Ambani.
“Today people might say that she is our champion but they will forget after a few days. Agar aisa na hota, a medal wouldn’t have mattered. So, I hope she gets the medal. I just hope whether she gets the medal or not, people don’t forget what she did for the country,” he said.
The 29-year-old wrestler Vinesh has lodged an appeal with the ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) challenging her disqualification. The decision is expected later this evening following the hearing on Friday.
Vinesh was disqualified for being 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in for her gold medal match against American Sara Ann Hildebrandt.
As a result, she was replaced by Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who had lost to Vinesh in the semifinals earlier in the week.
In her appeal, Vinesh is requesting that she be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez, arguing that she was within the weight limit during her earlier bouts. Vinesh’s case is being represented by prominent senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
