(Image source from: Facebook.com/Doordarshansports)
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, Indian 50 kg freestyle wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from entering into finals after she weighed 100 grams more weight.
She was into finals, where she might have at least returned with Silver to the nation even if she lost the match. But after the disqualification no medal was awarded and Vinesh walked out from the Paris Olympics with no medal. Vinesh Phogat appealed to the Court Of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) asking to award her a Silver medal. The announcement has been delayed two times till today. On August 16th h 9:30 IST the hearing is scheduled for the final verdict. Fans are waiting for the verdict.
Abhinav Bindra wrote, “We’ve all felt that frustration when something important gets delayed, and today, many of us are feeling that as we wait for Vinesh Phogat’s CAS judgment. But here’s a thought—this is kind of like what athletes go through every four years, waiting for another shot at Olympic glory. The nerves, the anticipation, the “just get here already!” feeling—we’ve all been there, right? Sport isn’t just about what happens on the field - it’s about the waiting, the patience, and the persistence to keep going, no matter what. So while we wait for August 16th, let’s remember what our athletes endure and cheer them on, knowing they’re playing their longest game.”
We’ve all felt that frustration when something important gets delayed, and today, many of us are feeling that as we wait for Vinesh Phogat’s CAS judgment. But here’s a thought—this is kind of like what athletes go through every four years, waiting for another shot at Olympic…
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 13, 2024
Not only Abhinav Bindra many Indian athletes are responding towards Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification and giving her strength. PT Usha is one among them, she told the weight management of players in sports like wrestling, weightlifting, boxing and Judo, should be his or her coach and not the IOA-appointed chief medical officer and his team. Vinesh Phogat in her appeal demanded a joint silver medal with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who lost with her in the semifinals. She was promoted to finals after Phogats’ disqualification. Senior counsellors Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhnia are helping her with the case.
The CAS and hoc division president Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett, a sole arbitrator for Vinesh Phogat Vs United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee has allowed the petition and expected to get a verdict over the issue by the 16th. On the other side, CAS has denied Jordan Chiles's request to reinstate the gold medal. Chiles landed a fifth place in gymnastics, where coach Cecile Lendi appealed the score and went to CAS. The fifth-place player was awarded with a bronze medal after the review. So there are chances for medal exchange even after being announced.
