Vinesh Phogat to Learn Olympic Fate on August 13

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has announced a delay in the verdict regarding Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat, with a new decision date set for August 13. Initially, CAS indicated a ruling would be made by 9:30 PM on Saturday, later postponing it to August 11. The case, overseen by Sole Arbitrator Hon. Dr. Annabelle Bennett, revolves around Phogat's appeal for a joint-silver medal in the women's freestyle wrestling 50kg category, following her disqualification. Phogat's situation is unprecedented, as no athlete has previously received a joint medal, making it unlikely that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will reverse her disqualification. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) confirmed that the deadline for the decision has been extended to 6:00 PM on August 11, 2024, with a reasoned order to follow at a later date. As it stands, India's medal tally at the Olympics includes six medals—five bronze and one silver. Phogat, who was hospitalized due to the stress of the situation, announced her retirement from wrestling, feeling devastated by the loss of a potential Olympic medal. However, her family, including her uncle Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, are encouraging her to reconsider her decision to quit the sport. The emotional toll of the disqualification has been significant for Phogat, who was on the brink of making history as the first in her family to win an Olympic medal, only to have her dreams dashed by a minor weight discrepancy.