The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has delayed its verdict on the appeal for the third time, adding to the anticipation.Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit by 100 grams just before her gold medal bout in the women’s 50kg category.
Singh has expressed hope for a favorable decision from CAS, acknowledging the broader implications for Indian sports.”India could have won six more medals in wrestling, but given the disturbances in the sport over the last 15-16 months, we lost many medals. We are hopeful that the CAS verdict will be in our favor,” Singh told ANI. He added, “WFI wants the verdict to be in India’s favor because it is the country’s medal, not someone’s personal medal. It will be added to India’s medal tally.”
Phogat’s disqualification occurred on August 7, hours before her final match. She had become the first Indian female wrestler to reach the final. Phogat is seeking a joint silver medal with Cuba’s Yusneylis Guzman Lopez, whom she defeated in the semi-finals, through her appeal to CAS.
Singh also highlighted the issue of weight management, underscoring its significance in competitive wrestling.
“The category of the sport is the player’s personal decision. However, maintaining that weight also rests on the player. Gaining and reducing weight quickly takes a toll on the body of the player. She was given every facility she asked for, including training with a foreign coach in Hungary,” Singh remarked.
The CAS had initially set the deadline for the verdict on August 13, but it is now postponed to August 16. Delays in the decision have increased anxiety and anticipation within the Indian sports community.
The result of the appeal could potentially add a significant medal to India’s tally at the Paris Olympics, making it a matter of national importance.
