Vinesh Phogat disqualification hearing: Why repeated delay of CAS verdict might work in her favour?

As nearly 1.4 billion are left disappointed on several occassions over decision of Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to delay their verdict on Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat's appeal regarding her disqualification from the women's 50kg final, it could also be possible for it to work in her favour as well.

According to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the verdict, originally scheduled for Tuesday, August 13 at 9:30 pm IST, has been delayed to August 16.

"The CAS ad hoc division president has allowed Hon. Dr Annabelle Bennett, Sole Arbitrator in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling (UWW) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) matter, an extension until 6-00 p.m. (Paris time) on Friday, August 16, 2024," IOA said in a statement on Tuesday.


Vinesh Phogat was disqualified on the morning of the Paris Olympics final for exceeding the 50kg weight limit. During the weigh-in, she was found to be 100 grams over the limit.

In total, Phogat had on August 7 requested CAS to award her the silver medal. CAS had previously extended the deadline to August 13. Now, the CAS is expected to pronounce verdict by August 16.

"The ad hoc division of CAS has extended time for the Sole Arbitrator Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett in the Vinesh Phogat vs. United World Wrestling & the International Olympic Committee matter to give a decision till 6-00 p.m. on August 13, 2024," the IOA said in its statement on Saturday.

Can delayed verdict be on Phogat's side?
Sources told TOI that deferring a decision multiple times was unheard of in CAS' long history.

"It's surprising on the part of CAS that it's delaying the verdict. Only in rare circumstances CAS would have done that. It's very surprising and we hope that this time CAS delivers its judgment. There's something which is holding them back. We hope that Vinesh gets a favourable judgment," a source told ToI.

The thought was also supported by Vidushpat Singhania, an IOA advocate who presented the case from Phogat's side before CAS.

As the delays remain unheard of in the past, the possible defering could also makes one believe that the case has been taken into consideration and the court is deliberating it properly.

(with ToI inputs)