Amidst the ongoing suspense surrounding the verdict on wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s disqualification from the Paris Olympics, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Vice-President Jai Prakash Chaudhary has expressed his confidence in a favorable outcome.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had deferred its decision on Phogat’s appeal to August 16, prolonging the agony for the Indian wrestling fraternity. However, Chaudhary remains hopeful about the final verdict.
“The CAS ad hoc division president has allowed Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett, Sole Arbitrator in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) matter, an extension until 6-00 p.m. (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024,” IOA said in a statement on Tuesday.
“It shouldn’t have happened. But, I think something in the favour of Vinesh is going to come… It seems that there are some powers involved in it and she will get the medal… I’ll say that her staffs are at fault. It’s their duty how to decrease the weight. But, let’s see what happens on August 16… Big advocates are there, PM Modi has also taken cognisance and I think the decision will be in our favour…” Jai Prakash said while speaking to ANI.
Vinesh Phogat faced disqualification from the final of the Paris Olympics due to exceeding the 50kg weight limit. At the weigh-in, she was found to be just 100 grams over the stipulated weight.
Following her disqualification, Phogat had on August 7 requested CAS to award her the silver medal.
CAS had previously extended the deadline to August 13.
