Vinesh Phogat CAS hearing concludes, IOA hopeful of 'positive outcome'

The hearing into Vinesh Phogat’s appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics filed before the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) concluded on Friday and the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) is hopeful of a “positive resolution”.

Vinesh had filed an appeal with an ad-hoc panel set up by the Lausanne-based body in Paris to settle disputes on matters pertaining to the ongoing Olympics.

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The ace wrestler had been disqualified from the women’s 50kg event after she was found to be overweight by just 100 grams in her second weigh-in, and is currently fighting to be awarded a joint-silver medal, having won all three of her bouts on Tuesday to storm into the final after passing her first weigh-in.

”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,” the IOA said in a statement.

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In the summit clash, Vinesh was replaced by Cuban wrestler Yusneylys Guzman Lopez, who lost to her in the semi-finals on Tuesday. In her appeal, the Indian has demanded that she be given a joint silver with Lopez as she was within the prescribed weight limit during her bouts on Tuesday.

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Vinesh 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.

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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.

The body’s 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,” Usha said.

Earlier, the ad-hoc division said that a decision could 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.

Read | Chopra on Vinesh's disqualification: ‘Felt really sad; God had something else in mind’

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.

With PTI inputs