New Delhi: India’s seasoned female wrestler, Vinesh Phogat, finds herself at the center of a gripping legal saga following her disqualification in the women’s 50 kg wrestling freestyle final at the Paris Olympics 2024. Let’s know more details:
- The Disqualification Drama:
- Vinesh Phogat, eyeing a historic gold medal, faced heartbreak when she was found to be 100 grams overweight during the weigh-in on the day of her bout. As a result, she was disqualified from the entire event, leaving her without even the guaranteed silver medal.
- The Indian government stepped in, lodging a strong protest with the United World Wrestling over the decision.
- Vinesh’s Appeal to CAS:
- Undeterred, Vinesh Phogat has knocked on the doors of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Her plea? To be awarded a joint silver medal.
- CAS granted the Indian contingent additional time to finalize their legal representation. Senior advocate Harish Salve stepped up to represent Vinesh in the crucial hearing.
- The CAS Hearing:
- The CAS hearing concluded recently, and all eyes are on the verdict. Will Vinesh’s appeal be successful? The decision is expected to be released either today or tomorrow.
- The CAS had earlier confirmed that the ruling would come before the conclusion of the Paris Olympics on August 11.
- Weighty Arguments:
- Vinesh’s legal team argued that her weight gain was not artificial or fraudulent. She contends that her weight was within the prescribed limit during her earlier bouts on Tuesday.
- In an unexpected twist, Vinesh’s opponent in the final, Cuban wrestler Yusnelis Guzman Lopez, replaced her after the disqualification. Now, Vinesh seeks to share the silver medal with Lopez.
- Legal Eagles:
- Representing Vinesh Phogat are senior advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. Their legal prowess will determine whether Vinesh’s Olympic dream turns into a silver reality.
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