The biggest Maha Kumbh of sports, Olympic Games, was held in Paris this time. Paris Olympics started on 26 July and concluded on 11 August. Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat performed brilliantly in Paris Olympics 2024. Vinesh reached the final of the 50 kg wrestling event. However, before the final, her weight was found to be 100 grams more, due to which she was disqualified.
Can Vinesh challenge this decision?
Vinesh Phogat appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against her disqualification and demanded that she be given a joint silver medal. However, CAS rejected the appeal of star wrestler Vinesh Phogat. This means that now Vinesh will not get the silver medal. Its hearing had already taken place, but the date of the verdict was being continuously postponed. But now the decision came in this case on Wednesday (August 14). CAS has rejected Vinesh’s appeal.
Despite the CAS decision, this whole matter is not going to end yet. Vinesh Phogat has the option to challenge this decision of the court. According to the CAS website, any decision of CAS can be challenged, but on ‘very limited grounds’. The CAS website states, ‘Judicial assistance in the Swiss Federal Tribunal is provided only on very limited grounds, such as lack of jurisdiction, violation of rules (such as violation of the right to a fair hearing).’
IOA is exploring legal options
Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha expressed disappointment over the CAS’s decision to reject wrestler Vinesh Phogat’s application against United World Wrestling and the International Olympic Committee. Usha said that the IOA will seek legal help in this matter. Along with this, PT Usha also announced that the IOA stands with Vinesh and they are exploring legal options.
Senior lawyer Vidushpat Singhania, representing the IOA, has said in this case that CAS has given its decision in just one line. Only after they release the full report, we will be able to say something in detail about it and decide what to do next. This decision means that India will now have only 6 medals in the Paris Olympics. This includes one silver and 5 bronze medals.
What is the work of CAS?
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is an independent body created to adjudicate legal disputes in sport worldwide. Its job is to settle all legal disputes related to sports. Established in 1984, the international body works to settle disputes related to sports through arbitration. It is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland and its courts are located in New York City, Sydney and Lausanne. Temporary courts are also set up in current Olympic host cities.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)