Vinesh Phogat Can Still Win A Silver. Here's How

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), an independent institution established in 1984, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, serves as the ultimate authority for resolving legal disputes in the world of sports. Often referred to as the “Supreme Court” of sports, CAS provides a neutral platform where athletes, sports organisations, and other stakeholders can seek resolution for conflicts that may arise in the competitive arena. The types of cases it handles are diverse, including disputes over doping violations, contract disagreements, eligibility issues, and disciplinary actions imposed by sports governing bodies.

One of CAS’s primary functions is to handle appeals from individuals or organisations that are dissatisfied with decisions made by sports federations, such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) or International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). These appeals are heard by arbitral panels composed of experts in sports law, and the rulings provided are typically binding.

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CAS’s jurisdiction is rooted in agreements or regulations within the sports community, and its decisions are recognised and enforced internationally. The court also operates ad hoc divisions during major sporting events like the Olympics, allowing for the rapid resolution of disputes—often within 24 hours.

Vinesh Phogat Can Still Win A Silver. Here’s How.

After she was disqualified from the final of women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling competition in the Paris Olympics 2024 on Wednesday, Vinesh Phogat approached the ad hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) functioning at Paris in the evening.

Phogat was disqualified after she weighed 100 grams more than the stipulated 50 kg. She had put forward two demands to the Court: one, to allow her to do the weigh in again as the final was still three hours away, and two, to bestow her with a silver medal as she had reached the finals beating other competitors fare and square.

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According to the latest information coming from Paris, the Court of Arbitration for Sport has accepted the appeal, and reports suggest that Phogat can still win a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, if the ruling comes in favour of the Indian wrestler.

If the ruling is against the Indian wrestler, she can still go for appeals, sports journalist Nikhil Naz said.