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.