“We will welcome her like a gold medalist” - Vinesh Phogat’s uncle Mahavir reacts on CAS ruling; shares LA 2028 aspirations
After the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed the petition filed by Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat for a joint silver medal at the women’s 50kg event in the Paris Olympics 2024, her uncle Mahavir Phogat said that she would be welcomed like a gold medalist on her return to India on Saturday, August 17.
Speaking to reporters from the ANI, Mahavir Phogat said:
“We were hopeful that the verdict will be in our favour but there is no scope for anything after the verdict given by the CAS. When Vinesh returns on the 17th, we will welcome her like a Gold Medalist. We will try to persuade her to prepare for the 2028 Olympics. We will also prepare Sangeeta Phogat and Ritu Phogat for the 2028 Olympics,” he said.
CAS, an international body to settle sporting disputes, dismissed a petition filed by Vinesh Phogat to be awarded the joint silver medal in her wrestling event. Vinesh had progressed through to the finals but was heartbreakingly disqualified after she was found above the weight limit by a mere 100 grams.
Vinesh Phogat loses CAS appeal after repeated delays
Vinesh Phogat, considered one of the best female Indian wrestlers of her generation, stormed to the final round of the women’s 50kg freestyle wrestling event.
She was scheduled to face Sarah Hildebrandt of the United States in the finals but was disqualified after she was found to be 100 grams overweight in the second-day weigh-in. As per the rules set by United World Wrestling (UWW), Vinesh was stripped of all her medals and was ranked last in the event.
Vinesh Phogat, shocked by the decision, promptly announced her retirement from wrestling.
However, the Indian wrestler challenged the decision before the CAS. Her case was picked up by senior Supreme Court of India advocate, Harish Salve. The CAS was supposed to issue an interim ruling within 24 hours.
However, the deadline was pushed to August 13, causing immense anxiety to both Vinesh and her team, as well as wrestling fans across the country.
Despite waiting with bated breath, the ruling was pushed yet again to August 16, with the repeated delays causing fans to prepare for the worst. Finally, the CAS issued a ruling on Wednesday, dismissing Vinesh’s appeal against the UWW.
As a result, Vinesh Phogat will now return empty-handed from the Paris Olympics 2024 despite her stellar performances. However, the 29-year-old has received support and admiration from all corners of the country, and fans hope that she will reverse her retirement decision to represent her nation in the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.