"Something favorable for Vinesh is expected": WFI Vice President comments on wrestler's disqualification ruling

New Delhi [India], August 14 (ANI): Following the delay in the verdict on wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification at the Paris Olympics 2024, Wrestling Federation of India Vice-President Jai Prakash Chaudhary expressed optimism that the decision will favor the athlete.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has postponed the ruling on Phogat's appeal regarding her disqualification from the women's 50kg final to August 16. The verdict, initially set for August 13 at 9:30 pm IST, has been rescheduled.

According to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the CAS ad hoc division president has granted an extension to Dr. Annabelle Bennett, the Sole Arbitrator handling the case, until 6:00 p.m. Paris time on August 16.

Jai Prakash Chaudhary commented, "It shouldn't have happened. But, I think something favorable for Vinesh is going to come. It seems there are some influences involved, and she may receive the medal. It is the responsibility of her staff to manage weight. Let’s see what happens on August 16. Big advocates are involved, including PM Modi, and I believe the decision will be in our favor."

CAS has established an ad hoc division in Paris, led by President Michael Lenard from the US, to manage Olympic cases. This division operates within the Paris judicial court in the 17th arrondissement.

Phogat was disqualified on the morning of the Paris Olympics final for exceeding the 50kg weight limit, being 100 grams over during the weigh-in. Following her disqualification, Phogat requested CAS on August 7 to award her the silver medal.

CAS had previously extended the deadline to August 13. Phogat had reached the gold medal match by defeating Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez 5-0 in the semi-finals. She was set to face Sarah Ann Hildebrandt of the United States for the gold but was disqualified due to the weight limit breach. The day after her disqualification, Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling.

After the disqualification, scrutiny fell on the Indian Olympic Association members and officials. IOA President PT Usha clarified that weight management in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing, and judo is the responsibility of the athletes and their coaches, not the IOA-appointed Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala and his team. Usha emphasized that each athlete at the Paris 2024 Olympics had their own support team working with them over the years.