NEW DELHI: The Court of Arbitration for Sport‘s (CAS) ad-hoc division concluded its hearing of wrestler Vinesh Phogat‘s appeal against her disqualification from the Olympic finals.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed hope for a favorable outcome.
Vinesh’s appeal was heard by the CAS ad-hoc division, set up specifically for dispute resolution during the Olympic Games.
The appeal came after Vinesh’s disqualification due to her weight, just 100 grams over the limit, which prevented her from competing in the finals against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, who went on to win the gold.
The Indian Olympic Association remained positive about the decision. In a statement, they said: “Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her failed weigh-in.”
Following Vinesh’s disqualification, Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Phogat in the semifinals, replaced her in the final.
Vinesh, in her appeal, has requested to be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez since she met the weight limit during her previous bouts.
The grappler was represented by high-profile senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
“Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours,” the IOA stated.
All concerned parties were given an opportunity to file their detailed legal submissions prior to the hearing and then present oral arguments.
“It was indicated by the Sole Arbitrator that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, with a detailed order with reasons to follow thereafter,” the IOA said.
IOA head PT Usha thanked Salve and Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for their assistance and arguments during the hearing.
“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,” news agency PTI quoted Usha as saying.
Earlier, the ad-hoc division said that a decision can be expected before the end of the Games on Sunday.
Vinesh went on to announce her retirement from the sport after challenging her disqualification, saying she does not have the strength to continue.
Reacting to the current situation, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Friday said he has a “certain understanding” for Vinesh but also wondered where one would draw the line after allowing small concessions in situations like hers.
“Looking at the federation or anybody to take such a decision, when and where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don’t give it anymore?
“What do you do then in sports where you have differences of one-thousandths of a second (in track events). Do you also then apply such deliberations?,” he added.
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) expressed hope for a favorable outcome.
Vinesh’s appeal was heard by the CAS ad-hoc division, set up specifically for dispute resolution during the Olympic Games.
The appeal came after Vinesh’s disqualification due to her weight, just 100 grams over the limit, which prevented her from competing in the finals against Sarah Ann Hildebrandt, who went on to win the gold.
The Indian Olympic Association remained positive about the decision. In a statement, they said: “Indian Olympic Association remained hopeful of a positive resolution of wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application before the Ad hoc Division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her failed weigh-in.”
Following Vinesh’s disqualification, Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost to Phogat in the semifinals, replaced her in the final.
Vinesh, in her appeal, has requested to be awarded a joint silver medal with Lopez since she met the weight limit during her previous bouts.
The grappler was represented by high-profile senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania.
“Since the matter is sub-judice, IOA can only state that the Sole Arbitrator Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (Australia) heard all parties applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee as well as IOA as an interested party over three hours,” the IOA stated.
All concerned parties were given an opportunity to file their detailed legal submissions prior to the hearing and then present oral arguments.
“It was indicated by the Sole Arbitrator that the operative part of the order may be expected soon, with a detailed order with reasons to follow thereafter,” the IOA said.
IOA head PT Usha thanked Salve and Singhania as well as the Krida Legal team for their assistance and arguments during the hearing.
“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,” news agency PTI quoted Usha as saying.
Earlier, the ad-hoc division said that a decision can be expected before the end of the Games on Sunday.
Vinesh went on to announce her retirement from the sport after challenging her disqualification, saying she does not have the strength to continue.
Reacting to the current situation, International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on Friday said he has a “certain understanding” for Vinesh but also wondered where one would draw the line after allowing small concessions in situations like hers.
“Looking at the federation or anybody to take such a decision, when and where do you make the cut? Do you say with 100gms, we give it but with 102(gms), we don’t give it anymore?
“What do you do then in sports where you have differences of one-thousandths of a second (in track events). Do you also then apply such deliberations?,” he added.
