CAS Registers Vinesh Phogat's Plea For Joint-Silver Medal At Paris Olympics, Sole Arbitrator Expected To Decide Before End Of Olympic Games

The Court of Arbitration For Sport (CAS) Ad Hoc division in Paris has registered an application filed by Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat, seeking a joint silver medal in the sub-50kg category, from which she was disqualified before the final round for being 100 grams 'overweight.'

According to a press release by the CAS, an application was filed at the Ad hoc Division at 16:45 CEST on 7 August 2024 by Vinesh Phogat in relation to the "decision taken by United World Wrestling (UWW) to replace her, because of her failed second weigh-in, before the gold medal match of the Women's Freestyle 50kg competition at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 that was due to commence at 18:15 CEST the same day."

It is stated that Phogat initially sought a decision from the CAS Ad hoc Division annulling the UWW's Decision and ordering another weigh-in before the final match as well as a declaration that she be declared eligible and qualified to participate in the final. However, it is stated that she did not request urgent interim measures.

The CAS Ad hoc Division procedure is fast, but it was not possible for a decision on the merits to be issued within an hour, bearing in mind that the Respondent UWW would have had to be heard first. The procedure is, however, ongoing and the Applicant has confirmed that she seeks the annulment of the Challenged Decision and that she requests to be awarded a (shared) silver medal, the media note reads.

The matter has now been referred to Dr Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), sitting as a Sole Arbitrator, who will hold a hearing with the parties today. The Sole Arbitrator's decision is expected to be issued before the end of the Olympic Games, which are set to conclude on 11th August.

Case: Vinesh Phogat v. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee (IOC)

Case No: CAS OG 24/17