Indian Wrestler Vinesh Phogat Awaits CAS Verdict on Olympic Disqualification Appeal

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's disqualification appeal in the women's 50kg freestyle final at the Olympic Games will now be decided on August 13. Disqualified for being overweight, her appeal was initially set for an earlier verdict. Represented by high-profile lawyers, Phogat seeks a joint silver with competitor Yusneylis Guzman Lopez.

The ad-hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will take additional time to deliberate on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal against her disqualification from the women's 50kg freestyle final at the Olympic Games, with a decision now expected by August 13.

The 29-year-old athlete was disqualified for being 100gm overweight during the weigh-in on Wednesday, with a verdict on her appeal initially slated for this evening.

In a turn of chaotic events, the Indian Olympic Association first announced the verdict would be revealed on Sunday before clarifying it will now be known on August 13.

The CAS ad-hoc division, tasked with resolving disputes during the Games, has extended the deliberation time for Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett until 6:00 p.m. on August 13, as per an IOA statement. The initial communication referred to the deadline for submitting additional documents.

The body has apologized for the confusion caused.

The Games will officially close on Sunday with a ceremony at Stade de France, the track and field events venue. Phogat's appeal was accepted by CAS on Friday after her disqualification. She demands a joint silver with Cuban wrestler Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, who was elevated to the final after Phogat's disqualification but lost to American Sarah Hildebrandt in the title clash.

Vinesh was represented by prominent advocates Harish Salve and Vidushpat Singhania. Following her disqualification, the world championships bronze-medalist announced her retirement on social media.

The United World Wrestling and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach have indicated no exceptions will be made for Phogat, though potential rule reforms may be considered later. India concluded the Games with six medals, including Neeraj Chopra's silver in men's javelin throw.

(With inputs from agencies.)