• Vinesh Phogat disqualification appeal: Verdict deadline extended, decision likely tomorrow

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    Vinesh Phogat disqualification appeal: Verdict deadline extended, decision likely tomorrow
    Her disqualification followed her historic achievement of becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final.

    Digital Desk: Top Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat will have to wait a bit longer for the outcome of her appeal against her disqualification from the Paris Olympics. The ad hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has extended the deadline for the decision to 6:00 PM (Paris time) on August 11, 2024.

    Vinesh, through an appeal filed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), initially sought reinstatement for the gold medal match but later revised her request to a shared silver medal instead.

    Her disqualification followed her historic achievement of becoming the first Indian woman wrestler to reach an Olympic final. She defeated top competitors, including Tokyo Olympics gold medallist Yui Susaki and Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, and notably ended Susaki’s 82-match unbeaten streak to advance to the quarterfinals.

    The case is being reviewed by Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, the Sole Arbitrator at CAS in Paris, and has attracted considerable attention. The IOC's decision to reinstate Yusneylis Guzman Lopez into the gold medal match despite her loss to Vinesh in the semifinals has sparked controversy among fans and officials.

    Earlier, Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Sanjay Singh indicated they would consider legal avenues to challenge Vinesh's disqualification. With the CAS's decision now delayed until the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, the upcoming ruling will be pivotal in determining whether Vinesh's disqualification will be upheld or if she will receive a shared silver medal.