Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic Dream: Appeal for Silver Medal and Retirement Announcement
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s hopes for an Olympic silver medal remain alive after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) accepted her appeal. This appeal followed her disqualification just before the gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg category at the Paris Olympics.
According to a media release, the matter has been referred to Dr. Annabelle Bennett AC SC (AUS), who will act as the Sole Arbitrator. A hearing with the parties is scheduled for today, and a decision is expected before the end of the Olympic Games. Phogat initially sought a decision from the CAS Ad hoc Division to annul the Challenged Decision and order another weigh-in before the final match. However, she did not request urgent interim measures.
Harish Salve, a renowned Indian lawyer, will represent the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in the case. Salve’s expertise will be crucial in addressing the legal and procedural aspects of the dispute.
Following her disqualification, Vinesh Phogat announced her retirement from wrestling. In an emotional post on X, she expressed her sense of defeat and gratitude, stating, “Maa kushti (wrestling) won against me, I lost. Forgive me, your dream and my courage have been broken. I don’t have any more strength now. Goodbye Wrestling 2001-2024. I will always be indebted to you all for forgiveness.”
Wrestling Federation of India President Sanjay Singh responded by urging Phogat to reconsider her decision. He emphasized that her announcement seemed hasty and suggested that she should discuss her retirement with her family, the Federation, and other sports officials upon returning to India. He highlighted her significant contributions and performance in the sport, indicating that it would be premature to make such a decision in the heat of the moment.
Doubts Revealed
Vinesh Phogat -: Vinesh Phogat is a famous Indian wrestler who has won many medals in international competitions.
Olympic silver medal -: An Olympic silver medal is a prize given to the second-place winner in an event at the Olympic Games.
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) -: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is a special court that helps solve sports-related disputes, like disagreements about rules or results.
disqualification -: Disqualification means being removed from a competition because of breaking the rules.
Paris Olympics -: The Paris Olympics refers to the Olympic Games that are scheduled to be held in Paris, France.
Harish Salve -: Harish Salve is a well-known lawyer in India who helps people with important legal cases.
annul -: To annul means to cancel or declare something invalid, like a decision or a rule.
retirement -: Retirement means stopping work or a career, often after reaching a certain age or after many years of working.
Wrestling Federation of India -: The Wrestling Federation of India is the organization that manages and supports wrestling activities and wrestlers in India.
Sanjay Singh -: Sanjay Singh is the President of the Wrestling Federation of India, which means he is the leader of the organization.
