IOA anticipates favorable outcome for Vinesh Phogat’s silver medal appeal as CAS hearing concludes

The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is hopeful that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will resolve wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s silver medal appeal in her favor. Notably, she failed a weigh-in on the second day of her 50 kg women’s wrestling competition final at the Paris Olympics 2024.

Since the case is under trial, the IOA stated that the Sole Arbitrator, Dr. Annabelle Bennett from Australia, heard all parties, including the applicant Vinesh Phogat, the respondents United World Wrestling (UWW), and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as well as the IOA. The hearing lasted for three hours.

Vinesh’s arguments were presented by renowned senior counsels Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. The IOA Chief PT Usha thanked Advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania along with the Krida Legal team for helping the IOA present its 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,” PT Usha said as per Live Mint.

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What were the two appeals that Vinesh Phogat made?

It’s worth noting that Vinesh made two appeals - one to let her compete in the final bout and the other to be awarded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez. However, the first appeal was denied, and the CAS accepted her second appeal for hearing.

All parties were given a chance to submit detailed legal documents before the hearing and to present their arguments orally during the session. The Sole Arbitrator mentioned that a decision might be announced soon, with a detailed explanation of the seasons to follow later.

The Indian fans are hoping that the decision comes in Vinesh Phogat's favor and she gets a well-deserved silver medal.