Paris Olympics: Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat is set to learn the outcome of her appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) today, which could determine whether she will be awarded a joint silver medal for her performance in the Paris Olympics.
Phogat’s last competitive bout ended in disappointment when she was disqualified from the final of the 50kg weight class for exceeding the weight limit by just 100 grams. Following this disqualification, she announced her retirement from wrestling. However, before stepping away from the sport, Phogat, with support from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), decided to challenge the decision in court, seeking to be awarded a shared silver medal.
Currently, Sarah Hildebrandt of the USA holds the gold medal, while Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom Phogat defeated in the semi-final, was given the opportunity to compete against Hildebrandt and eventually secured the silver medal.
In the repechage rounds, Japan’s Yui Susaki, who was defeated by Phogat in the first round, won bronze by defeating Ukraine’s Oksana Livach through technical superiority. The second bronze was claimed by Feng Ziqi of China, who defeated Otgonjargal Dolgorjav in the medal match.
Phogat’s legal team argues that she was within the weight limit during the initial stages of the competition, where she had advanced to the final. If the CAS rules in her favor, Phogat could be awarded a joint silver medal alongside Guzman Lopez. The final decision is expected today.
