All You Need to Know About Vinesh Phogat Medal Saga Ahead of CAS' Verdict On Her Disqualification

Vinesh Phogat, the Indian wrestler, who competed in the 50kg freestyle category had an exceptional campaign till the semi-final stage of the competition. She heroically defeated the Japanese Yui Susaki, who was also the no.1 seed in the category, in the pre-quarters, and then got the better of Ukraine's Oksana Livach and Cuban grappler Yusneylys Guzmán, on her way to the final. Her victories assured her a guaranteed medal at the Paris Olympics. However, on the day of the final, Vinesh endured heartbreak of immeasurable proportions as she got disqualified. The disqualification meant her contention would not stand anymore and have to return empty-handed.

Why Vinesh Phogat Got Disqualified?

Ahead of her final, Vinesh Phogat had to undergo a compulsory weigh-in. In the weigh-in, it was assessed that Vinesh Phogat is overweight by some 100 odd grams and as a result could not meet the required weight standard in the 50kg category. This consequently led to her disqualification from the Paris Olympics.

Every Effort Was Made To Cut Weight

Following her disqualification, it was reported that every effort, however extreme, was taken to cut down excess weight. Vinesh Phogat went through an exhaustible weight-cut procedure before the night of the final. She even cut down her hair and spilt blood out from her skin to dispose of some grams but everything went in vain. Phogat was hospitalised due to dehydration but fortunately, nothing serious had incurred on her health.

Row over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification

A row over Vinesh Phogat's disqualification spread out in the entire country. From honorary names to laymen, many came forward to voice their opinions on the subject. Many even adjudged the saga as injustice and widespread appeals towards the IOC to at least Vinesh have her Silver medal come to the forefront.

Vinesh Phogat announces retirement and appealed to CAS

After enduring the heartbreak, Vinesh Phogat took the extreme decision to retire from wrestling. However, she does not want to bid adieu without fighting for her victories. Phogat presented her case to the Court of Arbitration for Sports and expects a positive outcome i.e., wants to be crowned with a Silver medal.

The final decision is about to come

Vinesh Phogat's appeal was accepted by CAS and IOC representative Harish Salve presented her side of things. Only the announcement of the final decision remains, which was earlier scheduled to be released on Friday at 9:30 PM IST. However, it has been deferred. The final verdict will release on August 13 and it is expected to come out at 6 PM IST.

Should the court grant Vinesh Phogat the Silver medal, then India's tally at the Paris Olympics will rise to 7. Otherwise, it will remain 6.

Vinesh Phogat Saga: Timeline of events

Aug 6: Vinesh Phogat Reached The Final in 50kg Women's Freestyle wrestling; Assuring India at least a silver.

Aug 7: Vinesh Phogat was disqualified as she could not meet the required weight standard. She was assessed overweight by 100 odd grams.

Aug 7: Appealed to Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Aug 8: CAS accepted her appeal.

Aug 10: Final Verdict on the case was supposed to come about at 9:30 PM IST. However, a new notification was released of its deferment.

Aug 13: Final result will be released at 6 PM IST.