Decision on Vinesh Phogat's Olympic silver appeal delayed, new verdict date announced

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has postponed its decision on Vinesh Phogat's appeal for an Olympic silver medal, originally expected by August 10.

The new deadline for issuing the decision is now set for August 11, 2024, at 6:00 PM IST.

The 'reasoned order' explaining the decision will be provided at a later date.

Phogat's appeal concerns her disqualification from the women's 50kg freestyle final at the Paris Olympics due to being 100 grams overweight. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed the delay, noting that the decision may not be publicly announced until August 13, two days after the Games conclude.

In support of Phogat, Japanese Olympic champion Rei Higuchi, who experienced a similar setback at the Tokyo Olympics due to being 50 grams overweight, reached out to her. Higuchi, who won gold in the men's 57kg freestyle event in Paris, empathized with Phogat's situation. He had faced a similar disappointment when he was eliminated from the Tokyo qualifiers and subsequently lost a playoff bout.

Higuchi encouraged Phogat to remain resilient, stating, "I understand your pain the best. Same 50g. Don't worry about the voices around you. Life goes on. Rising from setbacks is the most beautiful thing. Take a good rest." He reflected on his own experience with setbacks, emphasizing the importance of perseverance.

The updated timeline for CAS's decision provides Phogat and her supporters with renewed anticipation as they await the final verdict on her appeal.